THE DEPARTMENT of Education has lauded the city government of Manila for providing P1.2 billion worth of learning continuity packages for the city’s public school teachers and students.

“Maraming salamat Yorme [Mayor Isko Moreno] sa iyong pagka-aggressive, at saka persistence and also for informing the public about what local governments and national departments do together and work together for the continuance of education,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in her virtual message.

Led by Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso and assisted by DepEd Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua in the turnover ceremony, the Manila LGU handed over 11,000 laptops with pocket Wi-Fi for teachers, and 136,950 tablets and 296,000 data sim cards for students.

“Ang [computerization program] ang ating kinabukasan. Ang pag-transmit ng education ay nakasalalay sa paggamit ng technology kasi iyan ang tawag ng panahon even with or without Covid19,” Briones said.

With an allocation of P1.234 billion from the Special Education Fund, the city government of Manila is providing each household one tablet, while every Manila public school teacher gets one laptop, on top of a 10 gigabytes data allocation per month for students and teachers.

“I wish you [teachers] all the best. I believe in you. Hindi kayo naging propesyunal nang wala lang. I know, naturally, in a short period of time, teachers of Manila immediately can adapt to the new normal or blended distance learning. That is why, we, in our little way, ayaw na naming kayong pag-aalalahanin… Now, you have your laptop, ingatan niyo,” Moreno said.

The gadgets for the conduct of distance learning were received by Ma. Magdalena Lim, Division Schools Superintendent of Manila, as part of the preparation of the division for the formal opening of classes.

The actual distribution of the gadgets will start on September 1 for elementary and secondary schools. Orientation for learners on the proper use of the self-learning modules and gadgets and webinars regarding cyber ethics and mental health will be conducted after the distribution.