Teachers express dismay on late release of funds for self-learning modules production, other source of fund nearly exhausted

School heads from different regions nationwide expressed disappointment on the late release of funds from DepEd's Central Office and the reduction of school funds for the mass production of self-learning modules (SLMs) which are needed for blended and distance learning this upcoming academic year.

Photo credit: smartparenting.com.ph

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines said that many school heads are having a difficult time distributing funds to fulfill the requirements of DepEd’s Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio said that teachers are not the only ones strained from the poorly-backed school opening plans. Principals are also complaining where to get funds for the school expenses that is needed for blended learning.

Basilio explained that the School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) is the regular government funding for schools, computed based on the school’s teacher and student population, that covers expenses for utilities, supplies, equipment, repairs, and the like.

Considering the situation, Basilio said that DepEd has ordered schools to charge their MOOE the health and sanitation supplies needed such as alcohol, disinfectant, foot bath, and others, supplemented by collections from Brigada Eskwela.

However, because of the late releasing of funds from central office, the school MOOE became the major fund source for module reproduction. The central office only released funds and utilization guidelines for module reproduction in the latter half of July.

DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla had earlier confirmed that at least P9 billion was downloaded to regions and school division offices for LCP-related expenses such as module reproduction.

On the contrary ACT said that many school heads have verified that the downloaded funds from the central office have not yet reached the school level. 

Basilio said,

Given the stringent procurement rules and lengthy processes, these funds cannot deliver the needed modules any day earlier than October,

As such, schools were ordered yet again, to use their MOOE for module production, supported by other secondary sources.

Basilio also stressed that school MOOE is not enough to cover sufficiently the module reproduction expenses as its actual amount is way lower than the reproduction cost.

He added that the stress and pressure the school heads are experiencing now is another proof that DepEd is not yet ready.

With the school opening postponed, ACT urged the agency to ensure that its preparations will result to a safe, accessible, and quality education. If not, DepEd should consider implementing an alternative, relevant learning continuity program without difficult processes and standards demanded by a formal school year.