With everything that's happening, teachers and students are still having dilemmas about how they can pursue online classes. The wide majority of those who are thinking about it have problems on how they can have an internet connection.
This is why the Department of Education (DepEd), is looking to provide load allowance for teachers and Senior High School (SHS) students.
In their request to the Department of Budget and Management or the DBM; they're actually trying to support the online or the distance learning that's happening. This would include the giving of load allowance for teachers and SHS students in public schools.
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P4 Billion Budget (Load Allowance For Teachers and Students)
The Department is requesting a budget of P4 billion to support online or distance learning. As per them, this'll be given to those who find it a challenge to push doing distance learning.
Once this is finalized, the DepEd said that teachers and students will be receiving a monthly payout of P450 and P250, respectively. The load allowance for teachers and students will go on and continue for three (3) months.
It's not permanent as its goal is to help both teachers and students aboard to fuel distance learning.
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Importance of Load Allowance
Leonor Briones, the Secretary of DepEd, said that they're aware of the importance of "load" or credits to the lives of students and teachers at this time now.
In addition to that, she said that she understands the challenges that are a part of it. This is why they're asking for the aid and the assistance of the Congress and the DBM.
We recognize the importance of load allowance for our learners and teachers to deliver quality education despite these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With support from our Congress and the DBM, we shall continue to push for more financial assistance to our stakeholders."
Briones said that this amount will be able to benefit about 900,000 public school teachers in the country. Out of the P4 billion that they're asking from the DBM and the Congress, P3.6 billion would be laid out for the allowance.
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The remaining P4 million, however, would be utilized for the following:
- Develop and widen learning materials and resources;
- Establish radio transmitters in schools and learning establishments;
- Deliver self-learning modules; and
- Augment funds
The Department has a plan; and it is to improve and enhance whatever we're having or experiencing.
Bayanihan to Recover As One
In case you're not aware, this request coming from the DepEd is a move that will make the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, or Republic Act (R.A.) 11494 effective.
It's part of the DepEd's goal to reinforce, strengthen, and to develop Digital Education and Information Technology, as well as Digital Infrastructure and Alternative Learning Modalities.
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Load Allowance for Teachers, Since October
To briefly discuss, back in October, a group of teachers or the Alliance of Concerned Teachers or ACT called on to the DepEd to provide and assist teachers through a load allowance to somehow help with the expenses they'll have for their digital or online classes.
Secretary-General of the ACT, Raymond Basilio, said that they're trying to push this so that public school teachers, as well as students will be given the right assistance.
In addition to that, he said that this'll be to help offset some expenses of the teachers – daily needs – among others.
Kaya nga sinusulong natin na magkaroon ng Internet allowance ang ating mga teachers para ma-offset itong gastusin ng kanilang naidadagdag sa kanilang pang araw araw na gastusin."
In Translation: That is why we're pushing for public school teachers to be given load or internet allowance. This'll be their tool to offset the expenses they'll have to make for their online classes.
Now, the DepEd is trying to reconsider. Although they're asking for an allowance of P1,500 or for "internet allowance;" the Department is planning on providing an allowance of P450 for teachers for their loads or credits on a monthly basis.
DepEd Learning Platforms Free Access
Pascua also said that learners and students are still able to access the learning platforms offered by the DepEd that are all free-of-charge.
In addition, he also said that students and learners can even watch DepED TV Live Streaming for free. They can access by clicking this link here.
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What do you think of the load allowance for teachers and SHS students? Do you think this will suffice? Or could there be other solutions such as telecom networks creating new plans and promos for teachers?
Let us know what you think about the load allowance that would be given to public school teachers and SHS Students!
Source: The Philippine Star | Website of DepEd
is private schools included?