Duterte backs DepEd’s ‘blended learning,’ vows to look for funds if needed

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “blended learning” strategy for the upcoming school year, adding he would look for funding should the agency need it.

During a televised meeting, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones presented to the President the agency’s “blended learning” plan to deliver learning modules to students’ homes and utilize television, radio, and the internet as media of instruction.

“I’m impressed with the simplicity of the program. And I believe that all that you have said is really feasible, radio kung walang television and all of this thing. I believe you have a very workable program. I support you,” Duterte said.

“And should you require any help from any of the departments, feel free to communicate with them. On the question of funding, I will so to speak, scrape the bottom of the barrel,” he added.

The opening of classes for public schools is scheduled on August 24 while “remote” enrollment will start on June 1, DepEd said.

During a previous public address, Duterte said he is not inclined to resume classes if there is still no vaccine against COVID-19.

No face-to-face classes will be held as long as the country is still under any community quarantine, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified.