Teacher spend own money to facilitate blended learning
ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro stressed over a study that showed teachers were using their own money to purchase gadgets and internet services to help blended distance learning.
The study was initiated by the Department of Science and Technology’s National Research Council of the Philippines.
“The DOST-NRCP study further proves that our public-school teachers are highly undersupported in the Department of Education’s blended distance learning program,” Castro said.
Castro said the study revealed that teachers used their own money to get devices such as laptops, mobile phones, printers and internet connection services in implementing blended distance learning.
“Lalong nakababahala ang mga datos na ito lalo na matapos lumabas ang findings ng COA na nagsasabing may nakita itong lapses sa utilization of funds na umaabot sa P3.2 bilyong piso sa ilalim ng Bayanihan 1 at 2 at may mga hindi mapatunayan na validity at propriety ng paggastos sa Learning Continuity Program na umaabot sa P4 bilyon,” Castro said.
Castro pointed out that teachers had long been asking for better budget prioritization.
“We echo the recommendation of the DOST-NRCP study for an additional budget for internet allowances of teachers, equip our teachers with the technologies they need and support for their students,” Castro said.
“Hindi maitatawid ang nakaraang pandemic school year kung hindi dahil sa sakripisyo at abono sa pondo para sa blended distance learning ng ating mga guro. Dapat lang na dagdagan ang pondo para maibigay ang sapat na suporta para sa mga guro at mag-aaral,” she added.
