The outbreak of the new coronavirus infection known as COVID-19 has first occurred at Huanan Seafood

Market in Wuhan city of China in December 2019 (Wikipedia, 2020), and within a couple of months it
has turned out to be a global health emergency. It has rapidly affected thousands of people, who are
sick or being killed due to the spread of this disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in a
widespread disruption such as travel restrictions, closure of schools and global economic recession.

Most countries around the world have temporarily closed educational institutions to contain the spread
of the virus and reduce infections (Tria, 2020). Face to face engagement of students and 101 teachers
within the school has also been suspended. The Philippines is in the process of adapting to the new
normal form of education at present, and continuous innovations of educators and active involvement
of other stakeholders are the driving force for its success. For the continuity of education and for every
school to still attain its mission and vision which is to provide quality education to every Filipino learner,
the Department of Education implemented the Modular Distance Learning.

Distance Learning refers to a learning delivery modality, where learning takes place between the teacher
and the learners who are geographically remote from each other during instruction. This modality has
three types: Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based
Instruction. (Quinones, 2020).

Modular learning is the most popular type of Distance Learning. In the Philippines, this learning modality
is currently used by all public schools because according to a survey conducted by the Department of
Education (DepEd), learning through printed and digital modules emerged as the most preferred
distance learning method of parents with children who are enrolled this academic year (Bernardo, J).
This is also in consideration of the learners in rural areas where internet is not accessible for online
learning.

The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the progress of the learners. The learners may ask
assistance from the teacher via e-mail, telephone, text message/instant messaging among others.
Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners needing remediation or assistance (Llego,
n.d.). Printed Modules will be delivered to students, parents or guardians by the teachers or through the
Local Government Officials. Since education is no longer held within the school, parents serve as
partners of teachers in education. Parents play a vital role as home facilitators. Their primary role in
modular learning is to establish a connection and guide the child. (FlipScience, 2020).

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), parents and guardians' perform the various roles in
Modular Learning such as Module-ator, Bundy-clock, and as Home Innovator. As a Module-ator, they are
the ones to get and submit the printed Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) from and to schools or barangay
halls at the beginning and end of the week, depending on the agreement between the parents and the
school. As a Bundy-clock, they must check their child's schedule or workweek plan. Because of the
number of subjects or activities to be done, they must see that it is being followed accordingly to avoid
cramming or delays in submission, which may affect the child's performance. Lastly, as a Home
Innovator, they must provide their child with a productive learning environment to help them focus
more on Learning. It must be a well-lighted and well-ventilated space in the house, with little or no
distraction.

The use of modules encourages independent study. One of the benefits of using modules for instruction
is the acquisition of better self-study or learning skills among students. Students engage themselves in
learning the concepts presented in the module. They develop a sense of responsibility in accomplishing
the tasks provided in the module. With little or no assistance from others, the learners progress on their
own. They are learning how to learn; they are empowered (Nardo, M.T.B, 2017). Other advantages of
modular instruction include more choice and self-pacing for students; more variety and flexibility for
teachers and staff; and increased adaptability of instructional materials.

102

The disadvantages include greater self-discipline and self-motivation required for students, increased
preparation time and lack of concrete rewards for teachers and staff, and greater administrative
resources needed to track students and operate multiple modules. The key purpose of this research is to
find out the challenges encountered by the teachers, parents, and students in the implementation of
Modular Distance Learning in the Philippine public secondary schools. Also, this study aims to ascertain
the methods, interventions or solutions of every educational institutions as well as the government in
providing assistance to students, parents and teachers who are having difficulty in this new learning
modality.

COVID-19, a novel coronavirus illness, first appeared in December 2019 in Huanan Seafood Market in
Wuhan, China (Wikipedia, 2020), and within a few months, it had developed into a worldwide health
emergency (Wikipedia, 2020). It has quickly touched thousands of individuals, who are sick or dying as a
result of the disease's spread. The COVID-19 epidemic also caused considerable disruption, including
travel restrictions, school closures, and a global economic downturn.

To restrict the spread of the virus and reduce illnesses, most nations across the world have temporarily
shuttered educational institutions (Tria, 2020).Face to face interaction of students and 101 teachable
moments.
The school's face-to-face involvement of students and 101 teachers has also been halted. The
Philippines is currently transitioning to a new normal type of education, and educators' constant
innovations and active participation from other stakeholders are the driving forces behind its success.
The Department of Education developed Modular Distance Learning to ensure educational continuity
and for each school to continue to fulfill its objective and vision of providing quality education to every
Filipino learner.

Distance learning is a type of learning that takes place between a teacher and students who are
geographically separated from one other.

Distance learning is a type of learning that takes place between a teacher and students who are
geographically separated at the time of teaching. Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance
Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based Instruction are the three forms of this modality. (Quinones, 2020)