While putting up Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) for learners affected by the Abra quake remains among its utmost priorities, the Department of Education (DepEd) is also eyeing the implementation of blended learning in these areas.

“We are looking at the immediate construction of these TLS, it’s just the numbers are varying,” DepEd Spokesperson lawyer Michael Poa said in a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 4.

Citing reports from the ground, Poa said that the number of schools affected by the Abra quake continues to increase. As an immediate intervention, DepEd plans to put up temporary learning spaces — which are usually made of light materials — to ensure the learning continuity of students affected by the quake.

However, Poa said that there are also “limitations” on the part of DepEd. Aside from moving data, he noted that the agency is also facing some “budget constraints.”

“We are coordinating with the LGUs , specifically the barangays, if they still have places like basketball courts or areas that they are not using,” Poa said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“We are also looking at tapping the private sector kung meron silang maibibigay na (if they have available) rooms for our learners,” he explained.

“We are looking at putting up temporary learning spaces, that’s the direction we would like to take,” Poa said. “The only problem there is as the numbers keep growing, we have constraints in the budget,” he added, noting that safety protocols and minimum health standards remain a priority for these areas.

Poa said that DepEd has also directed concerned offices and DepEd units to create a “matrix” of education resources.

To ensure the safety of learners and teachers, Poa said that DepEd is also considering either blended or shifting class schedules.

“If we cannot deliver on time of if we will not have sufficient number TLS in the immediate time span, we will consider also the alternative delivery modes like self-learning modules as among our options,” he added.