SENATOR NANCY Binay on Wednesday urged broadcasting companies renewing or applying for a new franchise to collaborate with the Department of Education in the rollout of blended learning education.

During the virtual hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services headed by Senator Grace Poe, Binay explained that the participation of broadcasting networks on blended learning will be a big boost for the education department’s programs.

Poe shared that broadcasting companies have existing partnerships or are willing to provide airtime for DepEd.

The panel approved 12 measures for the renewal and application for franchise of several broadcasting companies, including the University of the Philippines System.

House Bill 7616 and Senate Bill 1462 mandate the renewal for another 25 years of the franchise granted to UP System to construct, establish, maintain and operate for educational and other related purposes radio and television broadcasting stations within the university and in other areas within the scope of its operations.

Senator Joel Villanueva backed the renewal of UP System’s franchise.

Aside from the UP System, the committee also tackled the renewal of franchises for Rolin Broadcasting Enterprises, Inc., Blockbuster Broadcasting System, Inc., Tagbilaran Broadcasting System, Inc. and Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation.

The panel also approved the franchise application of the City Government of Davao, Servotron Industries Inc., Christian Music Power Inc., Allied Broadcasting Center, Palawan Broadcasting Corporation, St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology.

It also allowed Good News Sorsogon Foundation to construct, operate and maintain radio and television stations.