2.3-M students ‘struggling’ under distance learning due to lack of electricity – Recto

MANILA, Philippines — About 2.3 million learners in the country have no electricity access under the distance learning system.

During the plenary deliberations of the proposed 2021 budget of the Department of Energy (DOE), Senator Win Gatchalian revealed that 2.3 million households still don’t have electricity.

According to Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, this equates to 10 percent of the population. He also emphasized that most of these households are families with many children.

“So kung 22.5 million ang DepEd enrollment this year, then 10 percent of them are struggling under a new normal of education in which laptops and computers play an important role,” said Recto.

(So if there are 22.5 million DepEd enrollment this year, then 10 percent of them are struggling under a new normal of education in which laptops and computers play an important role.)

“Kung walang kuryente, pano ka makakanood ng lessons sa TV, or tatanggap ng assignments via email kung wala ngang power source ang cellphone mo?” he asked.

(If you don’t have electricity, how will you watch lessons on TV or receive assignments via email if there’s no power source for your cellphone?)

Distance learning is delivered through online platforms, television and radio educational programs, and printed modules going to student homes.

The Department of Education (DepEd) eyed P3.85 billion for the 2021 budget to provide radio transmitters in “Last Mile Schools” or disadvantaged areas. [ac]

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