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| MEETING WITH MAYORS. SDS Gildo G. Mosqueda and CID Chief Donna S. Panes discuss with the mayors of Sarangani details on the preparations for the opening of classes. |
Local government units of Sarangani have expressed support for DepEd Sarangani’s innovation on alternative learning delivery, LR on WHEeLS (Learning Resources on WiFi Hub for Expanded e-Learning in Sarangani).
“The provincial school board has allotted P2-Million pesos for the purchase of LR on WHEeLS packages for 40 identified schools in the division,” Marife Gomez, Program Manager of Sulong Karunungan announced during the meeting of the Mayors’ League Sarangani, August 13 at Sun City Suites.
“Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon has ordered to fast-track the purchase the first 10 packages for field testing,” Gomez added.
The recipient schools were chosen based on the LR on WHEeLS decision-making tool, which factors in data on the number of learners with gadgets, size and household density of the school community, availability of teachers with ICT skills, access to DepEd Computerization Program, and willingness of school heads to oversee the implementation of LR on WHEeLS.
LGUs of Kiamba, Malungon, Alabel, and Maasim have also set aside funds for the purchase of LR on WHEeLS packages in their respective municipalities.
The LR on WHEeLS project is DepEd Sarangani’s response to the challenges brought about by the new normal in education, where face-to-face learning is not allowed.
Through the LR on WHEeLS, learning resources will be made available to learners who have gadgets like smart phones, tablets, and laptops using intranet technology, making it practicable even in areas without internet connection and cellphone signal.
Mayors have recently called out teachers for posting solicitations on social media, which raised questions from the public on the availability of funds for reproduction of modules and whether LGUs has provided support for the implementation of DepEd’s learning continuity plan.
Schools Division Superintendent Gildo G. Mosqueda, CEO VI, said that efforts have been made to facilitate the availability of funds for module reproduction, which includes the school MOOE, the funds downloaded from the Central Office, as well as the support from LGUs of the different municipalities.
“We see the LR on WHEeLS as a way to lessen the cost of printing and the manpower required in the production of modules,” Donna S. Panes, CID Chief of DepEd Sarangani said.
In the interest of lessening the expenses for module production, Mayor Salway Sumbo of Malapatan has invited the LR on WHEeLS to conduct field testing in more communities in the municipality.
Teachers from recipient schools will be trained on digitization of learning materials for LR on WHEeLS, while school heads, master teachers, and supervisors will be trained on supervising the implementation of LR on WHEeLS before the opening of classes on October 5.