THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers said that the problems on modular learning has worsened, sounding the alarm on the ‘grim prospects’ of distance learning in the country.

“Many of our teachers have reported that the same problems raised prior to school opening remained and even worsened in the last four weeks, especially as regards with the modules. Top complaint among teachers is the printing and sorting of modules. With school funds running out and very few, faulty school equipment available, teachers have been printing modules and answer sheets using their own printers at home and supplies donated by their own or their students’ relatives and friends,” the group said.

“All these mean longer work hours, sleepless nights, no-weekends for teachers, and that’s only for one modality,” Raymond Basilio, the group’s secretary general, said in a statement.

“Many teachers have had to write content at the last-minute because the modules they’re supposed to receive didn’t come through. Those from local DepEd offices tasked to produce such have also passed it onto classroom teachers, further overburdening them of tasks beyond their main duty, which is to teach,” the group said.

“All that considered, the greatest injustice here still is the denial of accessible quality education to millions of children and youth. No amount of bending over backwards will give us as much resources and capacity as the government has to provide the needs of remote learning. The question is, are they as committed as we are to ensuring the welfare of these learners?” Basilio asked.

The group expressed alarm at the “grim prospects” of distance learning and education continuity if these issues remain unsolved.

It said that the Department of Education’s “ineptness” might lead to the drying up of funds and supplies that could curb the drive of education workers, partners and even learners.