Ensure quality learning modules, Go tells DepEd
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed calls for the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure that students have access to proper learning materials after reported errors in self-learning modules (SLM).
Some private schools were also reported to have reproduced their own erroneous modules, including one containing entries with double meaning.
“I am urging DepEd to work double time. Double time because we are delaying the education of our children. On top of that we find our modules wanting,” Go said in an interview following the turnover of newly-acquired fire trucks and firefighting equipment at Camp Aguinaldo Thursday.
“I already informed President Duterte about the reported obscene modules. There’s no place in the world for the perpetrators of these double-meaning materials. Our children need them to study. There should be no hanky panky at all,” he said in the vernacular.
Some private schools were also reported to have reproduced their own erroneous modules, including one containing entries with double meaning.
Last 13 October, Education Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado M. San Antonio disclosed that the DepEd is in the process of hiring reviewers to vet the content of their SLM. He issued a call to the members of the public to report any errors to the department’s Public Affairs Service.
The Senator emphasized the importance of accuracy and appropriateness as students and parents alike face the challenging demands of online and hybrid learning. He also lamented that many are still struggling to obtain laptops or tablets as well as reliable Internet access.
Given these issues, Go urged DepEd officials to quickly resolve the issue so time is not wasted and students can properly study using the modules as part of the blended learning approach being implemented by schools.
Meanwhile, also during the same interview, Go expressed confidence that the passage of Senate Bill 1844 would accelerate the roll-out of telecommunication infrastructure needed for expanding internet penetration and improving connection speeds.
Once enacted into law, the measure he co-authored will give the President authority to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses and certifications in times of national emergencies.
There’s no place in the world for the perpetrators of these doublemeaning materials.
Last July 23, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other concerned agencies involved in the permitting process for telco towers signed Joint Memorandum Circular 01-2020. The special task force created by ARTA cut down the processing time from an average of eight months to sixteen days as well as reduced the number of requirements from 86 to 35.
The Senator challenged telcos to improve their services and prioritize their consumers’ needs first, especially during times of national emergencies, rather than just focusing on profits. On his part as a legislator, Go pledged to provide the necessary support to improve the quality and accessibility of the internet.
“So, the ball is in your hands right now (…) I am urging telcos to expedite the process. In these trying times, it is best to give service a priority. It will mean a lot to our suffering countrymen,” he said.