STUDENTS affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Northern Luzon may use self-learning modules once classes open this month, an official of the Department of Education said.

DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said SLMs will be considered if temporary leaning spaces being constructed to replace damaged schools are not completed before August 22.

“Kung hindi po natin magawa ‘yun o hindi sufficient ‘yung magawa natin in the immediate timespan, we will also implement ‘yung alternative delivery modes which is under DepEd Order Number 34, ‘yung guidelines natin for this academic school year,” Poa said in a press briefing.

“‘Yan po ‘yung magbabalik tayo sa self-learning modules or ‘yung modular. ‘Yun po ‘yung mga options na tinitingnan natin kasi nga we are looking at immediate construction of these TLS. It’s just that the numbers are varying. But, if we can’t deliver on time ‘yung lahat ng TLS, we will consider also ‘yung ating alternative delivery modes,” he added.

The department earlier said that the government will need P2.188 billion for the repair and reconstruction of schools and classrooms damaged by the quake.

As of August 3, the number of damaged schools had reached 427.

Aside from creating temporary learning spaces, Poa said they are also coordinating with barangay officials for the possible use of basketball courts as temporary classrooms in quake-hit areas.