DepEd says a lot of catching up is needed

Education Secretary Briones says country needs to catch up with neighbors

MANILA – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones today said the Philippines needs to implement programs that would make it easier for Filipino basic education students catch up with other regional neighbors.

Speaking at the regular press briefing in Malacanang hosted by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Secretary Briones said the lockdown and the temporary suspension of face-to-face instructions have taken a toll on the pupils’ mental health.

“We have been in touch with professional groups in Psychology and Psychiatry who give us regular briefings on their findings,” she said.

She explained a ten-year old child returns to the classroom a year later he or she will find an entirely new world.

“Each time we get delayed, we are being left behind as other countries have already sent their students to college while we in the Philippines, are still as still deliberating when to open the school year,” she explained.

Secretary Briones said while they receive donations for gadgets basic education pupils may use and they have prioritized the “last mile schools”, meaning those in far-flung areas, most of these areas have no electricity.

When asked if she’s satisfied with the internet connections across the country, Secretary Briones said internet services are still insufficient.

“We resort to radio and television stations, but parents should help in the modules sent by different schools,” she concluded. (Melo M. Acuña)

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. (Screen grab from Malacanang Press Briefing/February 18,2021/Melo M. Acuna)