Sen. Bong Go has asked education authorities and institutions to ensure quality and appropriateness of learning modules while implementing blended learning techniques amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
(OFFICE OF SEN. BONG GO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Go issued the statement after a learning material using what is perceived as ''provocative'' and ''malicious'' content went viral on social media.
“Nakarating na ito kay Pangulong Duterte at gusto niyang ipahuli at panagutin ang mga gumawa ng modules na may lamang kabastusan. Hindi natin ‘yan palalampasin,” he warned. (President learned about this incident and he wants those behind these held liable. We will not let this thing pass)
“Hindi dapat ginagawang katawa-tawa o bastos ang laman ng mga materyales na dapat gamitin para matuto ang mga bata. Hirap na nga ang mga estudyante na maipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral ngayon, hahaluan ninyo pa ng kalokohan ang mga ituturo sa kanila,” he added. (These ‘’insensitive’’ and ‘’foul’’ learning modules should not be circulated because these are being used by our children. Our children are having difficulty time under these trying times, And you mix objectionable or foul language in the learning modules?)
Go cited that in blended learning, students are required to adjust to new learning techniques through a mix of online classes and prepared modules provided to them as alternatives to a traditional classroom set-up.
With relatively limited guidance from teachers, he emphasized that the accuracy and appropriateness of learning materials provided through modules must meet quality standards for blended learning to work.
Go also mentioned that with the recently enacted Republic Act 11476, or GMRC and Values Education Act, values formation must be at the core of education and not simply be an additional subject or requirement.
“Learning modules must adhere to set standards. They must be child-friendly, appropriate, and teaches good values,” Go said.
The Department of Education has disowned the provocative materials that went viral, saying that they were not created by the department. Education Secretary Leonor Briones had assured that they would take action on this matter.
After an initial investigation, DepEd found out that a private Catholic school in Zambales, Carmel Academy of Palauig Inc., used the controversial module.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) initially reported that the preparation, review, final printing, and distribution of all learning materials, including the viral module, were all made by the Association of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Iba (ACSDI).
In a report by the Zambales Schools Division Superintendent to the regional office of DepEd, the said modules were developed by member schools of ACSDI and submitted these for reproduction.
A subsequent progress report reflects that DepEd-Zambales has issued a memorandum stating that Rev. Fr. Reymann Catindig, superintendent of the ACSDI, has apologized for the modules on behalf of the association.