DILG urges LGUs to donate laptops, gadgets as DepEd kicks off 'Balik Eskwela 2021'
By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged on Tuesday, August 17, local government units (LGUs) to support the “Balik Eskwela 2021’’ program to ensure the efficient kick-off for the coming school year amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said LGUs' involvement in the program is vital amid the challenges brought by the pandemic, adding that schools need all the assistance they can receive, especially that the current pandemic has altered the face of the country’s education system from physical classes to virtual.
“We cannot stop because of the pandemic which is why we urge our LGUs to assist in the BE 2021 program. Hinihiling natin sa mga LGU na tutukan din ang edukasyon, lalo na sa pagsisimula ng klase sa Setyembre 13, 2021 (We request the LGU to also focus on education especially with the start of classes on September 13, 2021),’’ Año said.
With the theme “Bayanihan sa Paaralan”, the Bali Eskuwela 2021 is an annual program of the Department of Education (DepEd) to jump-start the school year where the public and private sectors are also encouraged to pitch in and contribute.
Año said all LGUs and local chief executives (LCEs) can support BE 2021 by donating laptop and desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, internet services, and other equipment needed by schools and students to adapt in the virtual setup of learning.
The DepEd released a memorandum last June 2020 containing a list of specifications for information and communication technology equipment and internet services to be donated to schools.
Año also advised the LGUs to assist schools and teachers in providing school supplies such as bond papers and computer inks which are needed to print modules for students who cannot participate in virtual classes.
In the same memorandum, the DILG chief also urged the LGUs to help disseminate information on the start of classes.