The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday commended the concerted effort of local government units (LGUs) and external partners in providing digital learning assistance to students this school year.

To date, DepEd noted that over 475 partner LGUs, as well as a number of NGOs and external partners, partnered with School Division Offices (SDOs) to provide learning materials to students, parents, guardians, teachers and personnel.

“We’re giving the needed assistance when it comes to digital equipment but nationwide, it is the local government units that really give out such as cellphones, and even smartphones,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

Briones noted that in Manila, for instance, P1.2 billion worth of cellphones and digital equipment were given to the youth. 

"Pasig likewise spent P1.2 billion for cellphones for learners and teachers, Quezon City spent P2.9 billion for gadgets for its learners  Valenzuela City is currently distributing 23,500 units of 7-inch smartphones,” she added.

DepEd, Briones added, has also been partnering with various groups in distributing equipment for teachers since last year to ensure that distance learning would be possible amid the health and safety crisis.

Based on the report of the Regional offices, around 1,202 donation activities of LGUs or external partners have been conducted, consisting of printing supplies, electronic gadgets, and items concerning the implementation of safety and health protocols in the region.

Briones noted that as DepEd implements the distance learning program, the local governments are the ones that are at the forefront of ensuring the learning continuity of students.

Initiatives of LGUs included identifying the suitable modality of learning for every location, providing machines for the printing of modules, engaging partnerships with internet providers for a better connection, and collaborating with local media for radio and television-based instruction.

In addition, LGUs, in partnership with field offices, provided training for teachers and parents for them to adapt to the new normal of education. These initiatives were conducted while observing the required health protocols for COVID-19.

On the other hand, DepEd noted as of October 30 last year, around 13 billion worth of cash and in-kind donations were contributed by external partners in 16 regions. This assistance from LGUs and external partners boosted regional and division offices’ efforts for the implementation of BE-LCP, including printing and distribution of self-learning modules, teachers’ training and parents’ orientation, TV and radio modality, and health and safety protocols.