Duterte doubts readiness of Philippines for online learning

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is doubtful that the Philippines is ready to implement online learning as an alternative to actual classroom classes to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a taped speech aired Friday morning, Duterte reiterated that he will not permit face-to-face classes without a vaccine for COVID-19.

“We have to wait for the vaccine. Maghintay talaga tayo sa vaccine. Sabi ko sa inyo walang vaccine, walang eskwela,” Duterte said.

But Duterte noted that Education Secretary Leonor Briones is set to implement a set of alternative learning delivery including online learning.

However, the President said the country may not be ready for that yet, citing the lack of available resources to be provided to the millions of learners.

“The technology is good but I don’t know if we’re ready for that. Meaning to say, if we have enough of those na gamitin para sa whole of the Philippines. We’re talking of students, meron ba siya (Briones)? If she has, if we can afford we’ll buy it and she can proceed in her novel idea on how the children would continue to their education,” Duterte said.

The Department of Education recently announced that classes will start on August 24 with schools adopting various learning delivery options such as, but not limited to, face-to-face, blended learning, distance learning, homeschooling, and other modes of delivery depending on the local COVID Risk Severity Classification and compliance with minimum health standards.

/MUF