Free load allowance for teachers

DID you know that the Department of Education (DepEd) is advocating for the release of connectivity allowance for public school teachers to further support the country’s shift to distance learning?

The DepEd, effective next year, has requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to issue P 4 billion for the implementation of Digital Education, Information Technology, and Digital Infrastructure and Alternative Learning Modalities as stipulated in the Republic Act No. 11494 or also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

The requested amount shall cover the provision of connectivity load for 900,000 teachers, as well as 3.2 million Senior High School learners, nationwide.

The DepEd recognizes the importance of load allowance for learners and teachers to deliver quality education despite these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With support from our Congress and the DBM, the DepEd said it shall continue to push for more financial assistance to stakeholders.

Once granted, teachers will receive P450 load allowance while SHS students shall have P250 per month for three months, which amounts to a total of P3.6 billion.

The connectivity load will allow students to download educational videos, while teachers can interact or talk to their students.

Meanwhile, the remaining P400 million will be allocated to expand production of learning materials in the DepEd Commons, DepEd TV and Radio (PhP 200 million); augment funds for printing and delivery of self-learning modules (SLMs) (PhP150 million), and establish 2,000 radio transmitters in the Last Mile Schools (PhP 50 million).

The DepEd is also reminding parents and learners regarding the free-ofcharge downloading of educational videos and SLMs from the DepEd Commons. Learners can also watch DepEd TV live streaming for free at https:/ / www.facebook.com/ DepEdTVOfficial/ .

The DepEd is exploring more ways to support distance learning by engaging telecommunication companies in the country.