Dizon bats for institutionalization of learning hubs in village

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon has proposed an ordinance institutionalizing the establishment of learning hubs in all barangays in the city.

The measure entitled “The Barangay Learning Hubs Ordinance” was referred to the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling for review.

“The creation of learning hubs in our barangays will allow students who lack the gadgets or the internet connections find a place for distance and blended learning so they may able to continue studying, comply with requirements and seek the assistance and guidance or get additional help from tutors or learning facilitators,” read the proposed ordinance.

“The local government plays a pivotal role in helping create a resilient educational system under the new normal and connectivity is an essential tool for our students, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, to continue learning,” it added.

The purposes and objectives of the measure are to uphold the right of all citizens to quality education and make such education accessible to all by providing innovative means in which learners, especially those who are economically constrained, can continue learning even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic; to affirm the primary duty of the government in ensuring a resilient educational system under the new normal in which digital connectivity is an essential tool that every learner should have an access to; to help narrow the digital divide and lack of technology access for learners especially from disadvantaged families, among others.

Section 4 provides that there shall be established a learning hub in every barangay to serve as learning facility to support learners in their studies through free access to computers, gadgets, equipment, internet and tutors or learning facilitators who will provide assistance and guidance to students who need additional help.

The barangays shall collaborate, foster partnerships or engage the private sector and other organizations, including Parents-Teachers Associations, in the establishment and operation of their learning hubs to ensure its success and sustainability.

Learning hubs should be community-driven efforts on the premise that “it takes a village to educate our children.”

As such, the barangays, through the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, shall likewise promote the creation of a peer network of learning facilitators and youth groups to share good practices in supporting the learning hubs and in undertaking self-organized activities to maximize their use.

The Local School Board (LSB), ABC, and SK Federation shall be the primary implementing offices that will ensure the enforcement and monitoring of the implementation of this ordinance.

The coordination and delineation of the tasks and functions among the three implementing offices shall be clearly defined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Within 30 days from its effectivity, a technical working group (TWG) shall be created upon call by the LSB with representatives from the SK Federation, ABC and Dizon to formulate and prepare the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation, as well as incorporate therein compliance to health and safety protocols.

The TWG shall tap the expertise and competence of individuals or groups to provide valuable inputs and enhance the formulation of the IRR.

Once approved, there shall be appropriated a yearly amount of P10 million to be charged against the general fund of the city government to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of this program. — KQD (FREEMAN)