DepEd: Implementation of NLC aims to address learning losses, gaps
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, June 16, confirmed the implementation of the National Learning Camp (NLC) during school break to address losses and gaps in learning.
(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
“Tuloy na ‘yung ating National Learning Camp. Ito ay isasagawa nitong school break starting from July 24 (Our National Learning Camp will push throuh. This will be done this school break starting from July 24),” said DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa during an interview over DZBB. Poa underscored the importance of holding the NLC, especially in addressing the learning losses and gaps brought about by the pandemic. While the NLC is open to all students, Poa said participation in the program is voluntary. READ: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/joining-nat-l-learning-camp-voluntary-for-teachers-learners-dep-ed-1](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/joining-nat-l-learning-camp-voluntary-for-teachers-learners-dep-ed-1) However, Poa said that for those who have yet to master the learning competencies in their respective grade levels, the NLC will become the “remediation” of these learners to be promoted to the next level. Poa noted that even before the NLC, some students and teachers have been joining “summer classes” which were also not mandatory. While voluntary, Poa said that there are some consequences to not joining the learning camp. “Although hindi natin pinipilit yung mababa ang grades or may bagsak (we’re not forcing those with low or failing grades), they are highly encouraged because if they do not participate in the summer classes before, they will not be promoted [to the next grade level],” Poa said.

“Tuloy na ‘yung ating National Learning Camp. Ito ay isasagawa nitong school break starting from July 24 (Our National Learning Camp will push throuh. This will be done this school break starting from July 24),” said DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa during an interview over DZBB. Poa underscored the importance of holding the NLC, especially in addressing the learning losses and gaps brought about by the pandemic. While the NLC is open to all students, Poa said participation in the program is voluntary. READ: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/joining-nat-l-learning-camp-voluntary-for-teachers-learners-dep-ed-1](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/joining-nat-l-learning-camp-voluntary-for-teachers-learners-dep-ed-1) However, Poa said that for those who have yet to master the learning competencies in their respective grade levels, the NLC will become the “remediation” of these learners to be promoted to the next level. Poa noted that even before the NLC, some students and teachers have been joining “summer classes” which were also not mandatory. While voluntary, Poa said that there are some consequences to not joining the learning camp. “Although hindi natin pinipilit yung mababa ang grades or may bagsak (we’re not forcing those with low or failing grades), they are highly encouraged because if they do not participate in the summer classes before, they will not be promoted [to the next grade level],” Poa said.
Pilot year, special materials
Poa said that regardless of the number of teachers and learners who will participate in the NLC, DepEd’s main goal is to help close the learning gap. “We will use this year to also assess the participation rate in the learning camp,” he explained. Poa noted that since this year will be the pilot for NLC, “we will see the participation and we will monitor how many will participate.” Among the features of this year’s NLC is the introduction of “special learning materials” for Grades 7 and 8. “This means that the materials for the said grade levels will be different for Science, Math, and English which includes reading,” Poa explained. Poa noted that while DepEd wanted to provide special materials for all grade levels since the program is new, “we will only be launching special materials for Grades 7 and 8.” Next year, Poa said that DepEd will expand the program to give special materials to other grade levels. “It’s really more of a pilot this year to see if what we’re doing is effective,” he added.