A private higher education institution (HEI) in Bato, Leyte threw its support to the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) adoption of the flexible learning modalities as a new mode of instruction.
The Bato Institute of Science and Technology, Inc. (BIST) has issued a statement expressing its support to CHED’s implementation of flexible learning for quality higher education.
“Flexible learning is something that we anticipated in line with the ideals of Education 4.0 but caught us off-guard. Yes, we weren’t prepared yet, but we took a chance. Bato Institute of Science and Technology firmly believes that we, the education sector, should not surrender but be agents of change who constantly adapt and innovate for a brighter future,” it said in a statement issued on Sunday, May 30.
The CHED has maintained that the implementation of flexible learning is a “better way to go” in ensuring that education of Filipino students will continue amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
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“Some of us were against the idea of flexible learning, for we are judging it without knowing its entirety. We failed to realize that with or without the pandemic, our ways and systems will and always move forward. Flexible learning is our future,” the BIST said.
It cited the value of resiliency that enabled the stakeholders to adapt and make adjustments to the current challenges being faced by the educational system.
The HEI, formerly known as the Bato Maritime Institute, said it was never easy for them and the students to navigate the flexible learning modality, but through the efforts of CHED, led by Chairman Prospero De Vera III and the implementation of Republic Act No. 10687 or the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act, or UniFAST, their students “felt that they are never alone in this battle.”
“UNIFAST enabled our students to buy “necessary” gadgets and install internet connection that helped them in their flexible learning journey. Aside from that, they were able to help their parents, who are under financial constraints as some lost their jobs and were affected in so many ways,” the BIST said.
The CHED said UniFAST reconciles, improves, strengthens, expands, and puts under one body all government-funded modalities of Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) for tertiary education – and special purpose education assistance – in both public and private institutions.
These modalities include scholarships, grants-in-aid, student loans and other specialized forms of StuFAPs formulated by the UniFAST Board, it said.
“Despite our limited budget, resources and experience, we continuously look for ways to move forward and do the necessary things for the common good of everyone. We believe that our school and the government’s collective efforts will make a difference,” the BIST said.