SCHOOLS in Bicol region have turned to radio in ensuring the continuity of distance learning especially in areas devastated by typhoons.

The Jesalva Delgado Memorial Elementary School in Sorsogon City adopted radio-based instruction called ‘Radyo Eskwela’,  which proved convenient for learners whose learning modules were damaged by the typhoons.

School officials in the region believe that RBI can further be developed with the help of local government units.

“Napakaraming function nito [RBI] at utilization na pwedeng mapag-isipan, marami itong pwedeng ma-develop  tulad ng partnership ng school at community. Mas malalaman ng komunidad ang nangyayari sa ating mga paaralan. Mga on-the-air school activities na pwedeng gawin ng learners even in the comforts of their houses,” Willie Gando, superintendent of the School Division of Sorsogon City, said.

The Pulangui Radyo Eskwela of the Schools Division of Albay also provided learning materials to students through FM radio frequency.

The ALS-RBI of Tabaco City also paved the way for learning continuity. To provide parents and teachers with different teaching and learning approaches following the series of calamities, the ALS-RBI was advanced to Tabaco City RBI-School and Community Learning Center.

The frequency [SKY Radio 93.1 FM] of the radio program also covers other provinces and cities of Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Legaspi, and Ligao which also gave access to other schools and learners to their learning activities, health education, mental and psychosocial support programs.

“Ang RBI ay magsu-supplement sa modular distance learning na masyadong naapektuhan ng mga kalamidad na nagdaan, maraming modules ang nabasa at nasira. Sa pamamagitan nito ay masisigurado ang pag-abot ng patuloy na edukasyon sa mga mag-aaral,” said Socorro Dela Rosa, School Division superintendent of Tabaco City.

Education Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua said that distance learning is not limited to modular learning.

“Sa ating mga teacher, sa ating mga principal at sa ating mga estudyante, huwag lang module ang ating tingnan. Ang module po ay isang bahagi lang. Nandiyan ang radyo, TV, internet at cellphone. Gamitin po natin lahat para tayo ay matuto at gamitin natin lahat sa pagtuturo,” he said.

Through collaborations with local radio stations, local government units, and other stakeholders, various schools introduced FM Radio projects that will help the students in attaining quality education.

Gando also noted that even after the pandemic, the RBI can still be applied because it provides an easier avenue to communicate with learners and community.

“Ang ganitong modality will stay even after the pandemic with all the benefits na pwede pang ma-derive. Tulad ng information dissemination sa community at further instruction sa mga bata, ang mga activities sa klase ay maipagpapatuloy pa rin,” he added.