DepEd proposes DepEd TV and Radio to be permanent programs for education

Since physical classes are unsafe due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd has adapted the alternative learning methods or distance learning modalities. It includes the classic long-time approaches which are the use of free TV and radio programs.

For now, the Department of Education (DepEd) is proposing the implementation of the DepEd TV and the DepEd Radio as a long-term strategy for education.

Learning using TV and Radio will continue to be used to address recurring problems caused by disasters and classroom congestion,

said DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua.

Pascua noted that the recent restrictions in in-person classes caused by the current health crisis due to Covid-19 forced the department to embrace the alternative learning delivery modalities for this School Year (SY) 2020-2021.

As a response to the current situation, DepEd came up with its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) and it identified four modalities for distance learning:

1. Print-based or offline self-learning modules (SLMs)
2. Online learning
3. Television-based instruction, and
4. Radio-based instruction.

The DepEd TV and DepEd Radio projects were initiated by Pascua’s office through the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) led by Director Abram Abanil, in partnership with the Curriculum and Instruction Strand led by Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio and Assistant Secretary Alma Ruby Torio.

Pascua said that DepEd has to invest in building up the number of teacher broadcasters and production personnel to produce 220 episodes weekly to ascertain the sustainability of DepEd TV and Radio for future use.

Pascua also noted the need to establishing studios in all the regions and divisions in the country as well as radio stations/transmitters in all schools. Establishing a 6-channel digital television infrastructure that can cover the whole Philippines will also be very crucial.

Studios and radio stations/ transmitters in schools are also needed to be constituted in all regions and divisions in the country. A 6-channel digital TV infrastructure that can cover the whole country is also a very important matter said Pascua.

We are potentially looking at the future of education here,

Apart from online learning, which we are pursuing through DepEd Commons, television and radio continue to be very effective channels for instruction and education, hence the DepEd TV and DepEd Radio,

 Pascua said.