Earl Daniel Remoroza BSA 1-16 Purposive Communication

Topic: DepEd and the Opening of Classes

The Department of Education (DepEd) has reached a decision to set the opening
of School Year 2020-2021 on August 24, 2020 and to set the end on April 30 of the
following year. DepEd also proposed various learning methods such as blended
learnings, distance learning, and homeschooling. It must be pointed out, however, that
face-to-face learning shall only be allowed when the local risk severity grading permits,
and subject to compliance with minimum health standards.

Remember that this decision was based on DepEd’s online survey, which means
that whoever answered that survey can afford internet access, leaving those who don’t
have.

With a mental health pandemic and digital divide concerns, an academic freeze
must be considered—at least, until unless the curve has flattened. This includes
suspension of classes or school year in all modes of learning, especially online classes.

THE IRONY OF THE INTERNET SPEED

According to a CNN Report, ”A 20 year-old student from Capiz died of a

motorcycle accident on her way home, while another 20-year-old student from Masbate
climbed a mountain; both were searching for a signal just to submit their academic
requirements.”

Internet speed in Philippines continues to fall behind most countries in the world
despite being the world’s number one in social network usage. Even with using LTE that
can enhance the internet speed up to seven Mbps, it still lies in the bottom of the
charts.
Having a stable internet connection is still a luxury for most students that they
couldn’t afford. Imagine staying online for weeks, paying for the internet, and going to
computer shops – all for the sake of compliance, while families are struggling and
others have nothing to eat, thinking only how to survive every day.

NO CUTS IN TUITION FEES

In spite of having online classes, many school institutions doesn’t even bother to
cost-cut their tuitions. Most of the families cannot sustain even their basic needs,
because of the “No Work No Pay” policy amidst this pandemic. Resumption of classes
will just burden families and guardians providing tuition and allowances in the “new
normal”.
Banes in Offline, Off-site

The offline and off-site setup is an alternative mode that requires the delivery of
learning materials in both by mail. However, this set-up will possibly require families to
find a means to procure money for courier fees, among others, when they would rather
allot it for their necessities unless the school will handle the delivery fees.

This also includes the potential use of government’s television and radio stations
for implementation of the distance learning program. The only problem with that is the
students doesn’t have an option to pause or to rewind the clip if they can’t follow the
lesson.

‘Leave No Student Behind’

Pushing this policy through will only favor those who are technically equipped
and financially stable that makes education is a privilege. Learning in this pandemic is
only for those who can afford.

As long as there are underprivileged students, an “academic freeze” is the most

plausible option for every pupil and educator. It may not be the best solution, but it can
be adopted until digital divide is fully resolved or results of mass testing and curve
flattening are already evaluated empirically. It can also be adopted in a “No Vaccine, No
Classes” policy.

This lack of empathy only implies that our educational system is turning a blind
eye to those who we should help and focus on—the frontliners, the underpriveleged,
and flattening the curve. Education can wait and we should on look on the biggest issue
here.

Education is a right and no student should be left behind.