SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Department of Education to utilize its P4-billion allocation under the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2 to invest in technology for teachers’ use.

Under Bayanihan 2, the P4-billion allocation aims to assist DepEd in putting up information technology and digital infrastructure, implementation of digital education, and the use of alternative learning modalities, including the printing and delivery of self-learning modules.

During the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture hearing on the preparations for the October 5 class opening, DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla explained that the Department of Budget and Management has yet to confirm the availability of the P4 billion-fund.

She explained that the department has yet to decide where to use the funding.

“I would strongly suggest that we allocate that to our teachers, especially in technology that our teachers can use even after the Covid-19 pandemic,” Gatchalian said.

The Bayanihan 2 contains other provisions to support the implementation of the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan including loan assistance, subsidies, discounts and grants for the purchase of distance learning tools, such as computers, laptops, tablets and other information and communications technology devices.

The law also authorizes the utilization of a portion of the Special Education Fund of local government units to support the use of alternative learning modalities, digital education, and digital infrastructure.

Under Bayanihan 2, the SEF can also be used for safe schools infrastructure, equipment, and facilities, including hand washing stations as well as for supplies such as soap, alcohol, sanitizers, thermometers, face masks, face shields, and other disinfecting solutions.

“Ang modernisasyon sa ating sistema ng edukasyon, tulad ng mas malawak na paggamit ng teknolohiya para sa pagtuturo at sa pag-aaral, ay bahagi ng pagbangon ng ating mga paaralan mula sa pinsalang dulot ng Covid19. Sa tulong ng Bayanihan 2, mapapaigting natin ang modernisasyon ng ating mga paaralan, maaabot natin ang mas maraming mag-aaral, at maipagpapatuloy natin ang edukasyon sa ligtas na paraan,” Gatchalian said.