Gatchalian urges LGUs to help DepEd roll out Learning Continuity Plan

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged local government units (LGUs) to assist the Department of Education in localizing the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP).

Gatchalian said localizing the LCP will help respond better to the specific needs and concerns of learners, parents, and teachers when classes reopen.

“Upang maging mabisa ang Learning Continuity Plan o LCP na isinusulong ng DepEd, ang pagpapatupad nito ay dapat i-ayon natin sa pangangailangan at kakayahan ng bawat lungsod, munisipyo, at probinsya, lalo na’t hindi lahat ay konektado sa internet,” said Gatchalian.

He stressed that since connectivity and the availability of gadgets remain a challenge to most learners, “there is a need to identify and maximize alternative learning modalities” that are most accessible, especially in far-flung and disadvantaged areas.

“Mahalaga ang papel ng mga LGUs upang masigurong ang pagpapatupad ng LCP ay angkop sa sitwasyon ng mga kabataan at kanilang mga komunidad,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

While some LGUs are distributing gadgets and internet load for their learners, Gatchalian acknowledged that others only have minimal resources to support the use of self-learning modules or radio and television-based instruction.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of mapping since it helps both the DepEd and the LGUs decide on the modes of distance learning to be adopted and the alignment in the development of learning materials.

The proposed mapping system also looks at the needs of marginalized learners, including those who are living with disabilities, to ensure their continued education.

In a Senate panel hearing, DepEd said it is waiting for the completion of enrollment data to finish its own mapping of distance learning modes available to learners.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)