A teachers' group condemned the decision of the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct online classes during calamities.
During a press briefing, Vladimer Quetua, the chairperson of Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Philippines (ACT), labeled it as "unjust" and "inhumane" due to the perceived insensitivity towards students and their families.
Quetua questioned the feasibility of conducting online classes when students and their families are facing flooding and other dire situations.
“In situations like typhoon and calamity, safety is our priority. How do we conduct online classes when your learner and his/her family is currently flooded?” the ACT chairperson pointed out.
The teachers' group made this statement in response to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa's declaration that the agency will avoid suspending classes during calamities.
Quetua said they strongly opposed this approach, emphasizing that during critical times when lives are at risk, DepEd's focus should not solely be on learning recovery but on safeguarding lives.
“This is unjust and inhumane. This is also insensitive to the actual situation of our general public during calamities. Nauunawaan natin ‘yung kahingian na makaahon sa learning crisis, pero sa mga panahong mas kailangang isalba ang buhay, hindi lang dapat nakatuon ang pansin ng DepEd sa learning recovery,” he added.
The ACT chairperson also pointed out that in the past, during typhoons, earthquakes, or any other disasters, class suspensions were common practice.
However, with the goal of maximizing learning continuity and being in learning recovery mode, DepEd has decided to no longer suspend classes. Instead, only in-person classes will be put on hold.
"Dati po kapag ganitong may bagyo, wala na kaagad pasok; kapag may lindol or any kahit po mga man-made na disasters ay wala na tayong pasok. Pero sa ngayon, to maximize learning continuity, since we are on learning recovery mode, hindi na po tayo magsususpinde ng pasok. Ang sinususpinde lang natin ay iyong in-person classes," said Quetua.
Learners will continue their education at home through alternative delivery modes such as modules, blended learning, or online learning, which the agency has already implemented.
"Tuluy-tuloy po iyong pag-aaral ng ating mga learner sa kani-kanilang mga bahay using what we call 'alternative delivery mode,' whether it be modules, blended learning o online learning — iyan po ay nagagawa na natin sa ngayon," he added.
