Blog

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the learning environment is drastically altered and learning as a whole has been disturbed and challenged. But learning has to continue and learners must adapt well in the so-called “new normal”.Learners in the last mile schools (LMS) have been especially challenged and disadvantaged even before and they are more so in the new learning setting that is being tested in response to the spread of coronavirus. It requires social distancing and the use of blended online-offline mode of learning delivery, which pose problems on the availability and access to needed equipment and services, and consequently affecting the quality of education. The condition of LMS learners is aggravated as they are deprived of opportunities to study and are likely to sacrifice their education because of poverty.The Philippines’ Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitment on education for the LMS provides a platform for the Department of Education (DepEd) and partner civil society organizations (CSOs) to specifically address this concern. While the committed cooperation was originally crafted to provide inputs, such as classrooms, ICT and electricity, it could be redirected to respond to the need for learning continuity amidst the pandemic.The DepEd and the CSOs, within and outside the OGP platform, cannot turn a blind eye on the urgent needs of the LMS learners. All available information and assistance should be afforded them to enable them to catch up and not be left behind. After all, education is not a privilege, but a human and constitutional right of all citizens, which is not diminished even in the time of pandemic.

Objectives

To kick off the OGP education cluster’s agenda for LMS, an infodrive on learning continuity for learners in last mile schools will be conducted. It aims to:- Provide a venue for open discussion of problems/challenges/issues confronting LMS learners and their families.- Seek DepEd clarification/response/action on government programs/plans/resources for learning continuity in LMS.- Discuss DepEd-CSO cooperation to assist LMS. Resource Speakers. The following resource speakers will be expected to share insights during the info drive:-

LMS sector group representatives

• Undersecretary Anne Sevilla, to speak on OGP commitment for the LMS and the DepEd plans for implementing learning continuity in LMS.
• Undersecretary Tony Umali, to speak on brokering partnerships with NGOs and the private sector (through Brigada Eskwela or Adopt-A-School Program) to assist LMS learners.
• May Cinco, to speak on E-NET’s program on alternative learning system. 
• Mr. Jett Jetonzo, to speak on Brigada Pagbasa.
• Mr. Dondon Parafina, to speak on CheckMySchool@Home initiative.