MANILA, Philippines — Tablets and laptops will be distributed to teachers and students of the Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) to assist them in distance learning while classes resume amid the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the Manila city government said.
The Manila Public Information Office said the local government will turn over the gadgets to the students and teachers next week.
The distribution was approved through a memorandum of agreement between Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Cherry Mobile chief Maynard Ngu.
Aside from laptops and tablets, the city government will also provide free pocket wi-fi for teachers and sim cards with 10 gigabyte data for students in public schools.
Moreno said the gadgets will help ease the burden of parents when funding tuition or other expenses for their children’s education.
“Ayon kay (Mayor Isko Moreno) Domagoso, ito ay tulong para sa bawat Batang Maynila sa nalalapit na pagsisimula ng blended distant learning sa bansa pati na rin sa kanilang mga magulang na maibsan ang hirap sa pagpapaaral sa kanilang mga anak,” read the Facebook post on Monday.
(According to Moreno, this is a help for all students in Manila as they start blended distance learning in the country as well as their parents to ease their expenses in funding the education of their children.)
The Department of Education has set the opening of classes for the school year 2020-2021 on October 5, 2020.