Telcos urged: Upgrade internet service

CEBU, Philippines —  To ensure uninterrupted and quality education under the new normal, the Cebu City Council has requested all telecommunication companies to improve their services by upgrading their internet bandwidth.

This is to help students adjust to the online distance learning amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The City Council approved on Wednesday a resolution on the matter sponsored by Councilor David Tumulak.

In his resolution, Tumulak said that a good and stable internet connection is very vital to access online platforms that teachers will be using to hold virtual classes. The councilor noted that certain areas in the city remain to have problems with internet connectivity.

"However, it is unfortunate that internet access in certain areas in Cebu City remains to be a big problem," said Tumulak.

According to Tumulak, the lack of stable internet access would force some students to go out of their homes to find better connection.

"Despite Executive Order No. 88 issued by Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, which imposes a mandatory stay at home order for any person below 21 years old, internet connection issues will force students to go outside their houses to secure better signal to access online platforms and some parents are even compelled to bring their children to some relatives whose areas have better signal," Tumulak stressed.

Tumulak said the weak internet connection problem does not only pose a serious challenge to quality education, but exposes children to the risk of contracting COVID-19 as they forced to go out of their homes.

President Rodrigo Duterte, during his State of the Nation Address in July, gave telcos until December to improve their internet service. He warned the government may resort to expropriation if internet service remains poor by then.

Tumulak said it is the duty of the government, as provided for under Section 1, Article XIV of the Constitution that, "the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all."

The Palace has banned face-to-face classes this school year to avoid the spread of the virus, prompting the Department of Education to implement the blended learning approach.

Blended learning combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods. Classes are supposed to start on August 24, but Duterte deferred it to October 5 due to high incidence of infections in Metro Manila. — FPL (FREEMAN)