The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), through the Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs, puts a spotlight on the narratives of public school teachers and students about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the learning process, in Laging Handa Dokyu Season 2 third episode entitled “Edukasyon sa Gitna ng Pandemya.”
According to PCOO Secretary Martin M. Andanar, the national government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that young learners nationwide, especially those in far-flung areas, can continue to pursue their academic dreams.
“Through the coordination of various government agencies with the local communities, we can be sure that the education of our youth under the ‘new normal’ will not be sacrificed,” Sec. Andanar said.
“Education remains to be a top priority for the Duterte administration even during this COVID-19 pandemic. This short documentary is proof that if there’s willingness to learn, we can always find a way,” Sec. Andanar added.
On March 13, 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend classes in all schools nationwide to avoid COVID-19 virus transmission among students and faculty members.
Taking into consideration the health and safety of our academes while ensuring continuous academic excellence, the DepEd created the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. It consists of Modular Distance Learning, Online Distance Learning, and TV or Radio-Based Instruction, all set to aid teachers and students in holding ‘new normal’ classes all over the country, even in the far-flung areas with no internet connection.
According to DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio, they needed to streamline the curriculum for the 2020-2021 academic year.
“The public opinion has to be somehow addressed and [we] somehow succeeded in persuading the public that the Department of Education is offering basic education services to the youngsters of the Philippines. We made sure that we will protect the learners and teachers,” said Usec. Antonio.
Furthermore, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s ‘Karunungan sa Kulungan’ Project will also be included in the same episode, featuring the story of an inmate teacher, who continues his passion for teaching kindergarten, with the children of his fellow inmates as his pupils.
Catch “Edukasyon sa Gitna ng Pandemya” on Sunday, February 7, at 9:30 PM on PTV and IBC. It will also be livestreamed on the PCOO and the NTF COVID-19 Facebook pages, as well as other government-affiliated social media pages.
Media outlets are free to share and use our video materials and short documentaries. For inquiries, please e-mail us at pcooglobalmedia@pco.gov.ph.
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