Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday that public school teachers will be trained as broadcasters and editors, as preparation for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) blended learning in August.
Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) and the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) will lead the training for potential teacher-broadcasters who will deliver lessons and relevant content for learners that will be aired on television nationwide.
“DepEd teachers will be trained by IBC-13 and PBS as broadcasters/actors, and editors in this proposed endeavor,” Andanar said.
Andanar recognized that the use of television and radio would benefit learners, particularly those who belong to the indigent and remote communities.
“Following the closure of schools, physical access to education was halted as a response to the threats by the pandemic. Therefore, harnessing and maximizing available technologies, such as the television, radio, and internet as viable platforms for lesson delivery for independent- and parental-supervised learners has been considered,” he said.
“This recommended participation is aimed at converting the K-12 program and curriculum lessons of DepEd into materials, which will be managed, produced, covered, and distributed by the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) and Philippine Broadcasting Services (PBS), for the consumption of our students throughout the Covid-19 pandemic,” Andanar said.
Andanar said it was also planned that IBC-13 and PBS will manage the production management, post-production, network rebranding, and the distribution of programs to other TV and radio stations.
He said the government would also partner with cable operators nationwide.
“To further optimize the PBS and IBC-13’s frequencies, we are partnering with cable operators nationwide and utilizing the power of the internet, by maximizing our official websites, social media accounts, and YouTube channels, to reach at least 18 million of our public school learners,” Andanar said.
Andanar said the government would ensure the quality of education in spite of the new normal set up.
“While this proposed assistance remains a pending recommendation to DepEd, our overall commitment to contribute to our nation’s collective development, especially to that of our youth and our students, in this time of pandemic remains resolute and unwavering as we continue to fight Covid-19 and to heal as one nation,” he said.a
