(SPOT.ph) The Philippines isn't exactly known for having the best Internet service in the world, so you can imagine why going online would be difficult for students scattered across the archipelago. At least one local government in Metro Manila has addressed the issue: Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto stated that they are now gearing up their barangays to have better Internet service should classes have to go online due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.
According to Sotto's post, the city government is gearing up for two scenarios for public schools: either a physical resumption of classes or a virtual one. "We are preparing better Internet connections at the barangay level where students can download the modules," noted the mayor for the second scenario.
The city is working with the Department of Education to better prepare for the incoming school year. "We are identifying funds for personal learning devices for students," said the mayor, whichever scenario pushes through. "Hindi natin puwedeng hayaan na mahuli ang mga magaaral natin sa mga pampublikong paaralan."
The mayor also included a quote from President Rodrigo Duterte's public address made late on May 25. The president announced that classes would not be allowed to resume until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found. "I will not allow the opening of classes na magdikit dikit 'yang mga bata. Bahala nang hindi na makatapos. For this generation walang makatapos na doktor pati engineer," said Duterte.
School year 2020 to 2021 is scheduled to begin on August 24, 2020, as set by the Department of Education (DepEd) on May 11. "Distance learning," the official DepEd online platform for learning modules, is set to be the new norm.
Main image from Vico Sotto / Facebook page