The Department of Education (DepEd) is actively exploring strategies to ensure the successful implementation of a well-rounded blended learning program in public schools nationwide. During the DepEd’s budget deliberation at the Senate, DepEd Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized that while the department is not yet fully prepared for the ideal blended learning program, they are optimistic about its execution next year, coinciding with the rollout of the new Matatag Curriculum.
At present, DepEd has not officially finalized the framework for the blended learning program, and they are using a template adapted from the system employed during the Covid-19 pandemic to administer blended learning.
“We need to explain about the blending learning program. Right now, we do not have it formalized. We use the template of the pandemic regarding switching learners to modules or online, but the envisioned blended learning program, seen as one of the solutions for challenges in basic education, requires a strong IT infrastructure. Currently, what we are doing is the e-cards—these are essentially e-libraries on wheels,” explained Duterte.
The plan also encompasses schools that already have internet connectivity. DepEd’s goal is to achieve 100% connectivity for all schools by the end of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s term.
“We are currently mapping out the schools with connectivity, so we target 100% connectivity for all our schools by the end of President Marcos’s term, whether through fiber, satellite, or other modes of connectivity, depending on the situation on the ground,” Duterte added.
This initiative aligns with the President’s mandate to establish e-libraries and make basic education resources available online to students. The DepEd acknowledges that there are still areas in the country without internet access.
Duterte revealed that they are coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DITC) to secure internet connections for schools across the country.
According to DepEd data, there is 63% internet connectivity for elementary schools, 71% for junior high schools, and 68% for senior high schools in the Philippines.
