By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
As it readies to implement the Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan (BE- LCP), the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to get more support from various stakeholders who believe that learning must continue even amid the pandemic.
Department of Education (MANILA BULLETIN)
For the Association of DepEd Directors Inc. (ADD Inc.), DepEd’s BE-LCP would help establish current and future programs for teachers that would “support their continuous professional development and prepare them for the changing landscape of education.”
As an organization that aims to provide opportunities for education leaders to strengthen their capabilities in aiding children in learning, the ADD expressed full support to the DepEd’s BE-LCP which “lays down the groundwork for education to continue during this pandemic.”
With the implementation of BE-LCP, ADD Inc. continues to repose its trust in the leadership of Education Secretary Leonor Briones and her team. “We have witnessed how she handles DepEd in the crisis. We trust her superintendence in steering DepEd towards ensuring that basic education thrives amid the pandemic,” the group said.
As it expressed confidence that DepEd “will do everything in its power to ensure that every Filipino learner will not be left behind in these trying times,” the group also urged education stakeholders - including learners, parents, local government units, parent-teacher associations, non-government associations, and private entities - to “continue collaborating” with the to provide learning opportunities for learners despite the health situation in the country.
DepEd’s BE-LCP also continues to receive support from the private sector such as the City Savings Bank (CitySavings). Guided by the Aboitiz Group’s purpose to drive change for a better world, the bank has pledged its support to DepEd under the government’s learning continuity plan.
“As the country rises to the challenge brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the camaraderie among government agencies and private organizations did not waver,” City Savings Bank said in a statement.#
For the school year (SY) 2020-2021, DepEd once again called for support from stakeholders for the joint Brigada Eskwela (BE) and Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) initiatives from June 1 to August 29. Under the new framework, the traditional concept of BE - which involves physical cleaning, painting, and minor repairs of school facilities - will not be conducted.
For the first time, DepEd also held its first-ever BE national virtual kick-off where Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali gave further details about this initiative. “The activities shall highlight partnership initiatives that complement DepEd’s efforts to ensure that quality basic education will continue despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, and to implement the BE-LCP,” he said.
The partnership activities with stakeholders include disinfection of schools, mobilization of essential items, psychological first aid sessions/psycho-social interventions, DepEd’s learning continuity plan orientation activities with partners and the PTA, distance learning, gulayan sa paaralan/tahanan, other school-based initiatives, and partnership appreciation.
In line with these initiatives, CitySavings initially donated safety and sanitation essentials such as alcohol, sanitizers, disinfectants, face masks, gloves, and thermal scanners which will benefit regional and division offices, and selected schools nationwide. The bank is also currently coordinating with DepEd to address other needs in preparation for the opening of classes on August 24.
As the bank continues to implement BE under the new framework, beneficiaries have expressed their appreciation for the help extended. “Everyone's main concern now is safety and the donation from City Savings Bank is a big help for the Region to help fight against COVID-19,”said DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ramir Uytico. “We are happy to engage with the CitySavings as we prepare our teachers, learners, and schools for the new normal,” he added.
Meanwhile, CitySavings President and CEO Lorenzo Ocampo commended DepEd for its bold and innovative response to the pandemic. “As with Brigada Eskwela, CitySavings will support this learning continuity plan that ensures the well-being of teachers and students in this challenging time, and with you, we look forward to better times ahead,” he ended.