Metro LGUs to distribute gadgets for distance learning

MANILA, Philippines — Local governments in Metro Manila will begin distributing next week gadgets for the distance learning of students ahead of the opening of classes in public schools on Oct. 5.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto yesterday said the first batch of 20,000 computer tablets procured by the city government are being inspected prior to distribution on Sept. 30.

“The gadgets are under inspection as part of quality control to make sure that these are in proper condition before we distribute the items to public schools,” Sotto said in a statement.

Pasig purchased at least 138,000 tablets worth P1.3 billion to be used by public school students and teachers for distance learning as face-to-face classes have been suspended due to the risks of coronavirus.

“They will receive their tablets on Oct. 1 and onwards,” Sotto said.

San Juan City will be getting 11,000 tablets and 1,500 laptops from the Department of Information and Communications Technology for public school students and teachers.

Mayor Francis Zamora said the distribution would commence next week.

In Mandaluyong City, learning gadgets would be distributed before the start of classes, according to Mayor Menchie Abalos.

Abalos said 41,000 students would be receiving tablets containing learning modules while 2,300 teachers are set to receive laptops.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has moved the opening of classes in public schools to Oct. 5.

The school opening was initially scheduled on Aug. 24, but several lawmakers and groups urged the DepEd to defer the start of classes to prepare for the transition to blended learning system.

In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno donated yesterday P8.8 million worth of tablets to poor students of the Universidad de Manila (UDM).

Moreno was accompanied by Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna when he turned over 1,010 tablets to UDM president Malou Tiquia during a simple ceremony at city hall.

The funds used for the purchase of Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablets came from the mayor’s talent fees from his product endorsements.

“I know the hardship the students from poor families are experiencing to be able to cope with the distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moreno said.

Last July, Moreno promised to donate his talent fees from his endorsement contracts with at least six companies. – Neil Jayson Servallos, Rey Galupo