Quezon City OKs P2.9-B fund to equip 175,731 students with tablets

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City has approved a P2.9 billion budget to implement the “blended learning” style of classes as face-to-face learning remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the local government, the budget will be used to provide tablets for the city’s 155,921 enrolled junior high school students and 19,810 enrolled senior high school students.

For students in kinder to grade school, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said they will receive modules, learning packets containing flash drives, as well as other additional printed materials.

Belmonte added that a portion of the budget will be allocated for the internet allowance for Kinder and Grade 12 public school teachers to address their concerns on connectivity.

“We are adjusting our budget to ensure that our children will continue learning despite the sudden shift from traditional to alternative learning modalities,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Education Affairs Head Aly Medalla said the local government was planning to use its special education funds “to augment the gadgets that the Department of Education (DepEd) will provide for teachers.”

“The city plans to assign gadgets to all public schools and other educational facilities that teachers can share through a shifting schedule,” Medalla said, adding that they are also planning to improve or increase internet connectivity in schools.

And before face-to-face classes resume, the city government said it will also work to improve school amenities such as wash facilities, water supply, water catchment systems, and installation of water pumps.

The local government unit also said it plans to provide “school supplies and care packages, which include goggles, face masks, alcohol, and other necessary items that may protect students.”

Previously, Quezon City said that it will use the blended system of learning to guarantee the safety of students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

DepEd has been pushing for the blended learning scheme where educational modules will be delivered to students’ homes as television, radio, and the internet will likewise be utilized as media of instruction.

Earlier, DepEd said that opening of classes for the school year 2020-2021 is set for August 24, noting that depending on the situation, some schools may offer online classes.