Securing support for TV, radio-based education

Lany C. Vital

NOW that the coronavirus has disrupted “normal” education, the Department of Education has to come up with new ways to disseminate lessons to the millions of learners nationwide.

The DepEd is very much committed to widening the access to education despite the pandemic, reason why it has garnered the support of the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC for television and radio-based learning delivery for the upcoming school year.

The agency, according to reports, has requested television, radio, and cable operators to broadcast educational materials and instructions as part of the Department’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

Because face-to-face classes are still prohibited, the Department is set to implement a blended learning approach. This makes use of TV and radio-based instruction, along with modular and online learning as the other two options.

The NTC has earlier issued a memorandum to remind TV and radio operators of its public service obligation, including providing free of charge assistance in the functions of public information and education.

The NTC is the government agency mandated to oversee broadcasting operations in the country.

The Commission also released a separate memorandum for cable operators, reminding them of the provisions of Section 6.3.2 Item C of NTC Memorandum Circular No. 4-08-88, which requires them to carry free public service features, including education, cultural and civic.

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The author is Teacher III at Babo Sacan Elementary School