December 2, 2020 – After experiencing devastating effects of the recent typhoons in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) – Bicol Region schools capitalized on the advantages of radio-based instruction (RBI) as they move forward on the current school year.

“Napakaraming function nito [RBI] at utilization na pwedeng mapag-isipan, marami itong pwedeng madevelop tulad partnership ng school at community. Mas malalaman ng komunidad ang nangyayari sa ating mga paaralan. Mga on-the-air school activities na pwede gawin ng learners even in the comforts of their houses,” said School Division of Sorsogon City Superintendent Willie Gando.

The Jesalva Delgado Memorial Elementary School (JDMES) in Sorsogon City is currently utilizing the RBI called ‘Radyo Eskwela’ for the learners as it is more convenient, especially in times of calamities where self-learning modules have been damaged.Meanwhile, Pulangui Radyo Eskwela of the Schools Division of Albay also provided learning materials to the learners through FM radiofrequency.

The ALS-RBI of Tabaco City also paved the way for learning continuity. To provide parents and teachers with different teaching and learning approaches amidst pandemic and calamities, the ALS-RBI was advanced to Tabaco City RBI-School and Community Learning Center.

The frequency [SKY Radio 93.1 FM] of the radio program also covers other provinces and cities of Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Legaspi, and Ligao which also gave access to other schools and learners on their learning activities, health education, mental and psychosocial support programs.

“Ang RBI ay magsu-supplement sa modular distance learning na masyadong naapektuhan ng mga kalamidad na nagdaan, maraming modules and nabasa at nasira. Sa pamamagitan nito ay masisigurado ang pag-abot ng patuloy na edukasyon sa mga mag-aaral,” said School Division of Tabaco City Superintendent Socorro Dela Rosa.

Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua shared during his site visit with Undersecretary for Field Operations Revsee Escobedo that distance learning is not limited to modular learning as the continuity plan offers more modalities.

“Sa ating mga teacher, sa ating mga principal at sa ating mga estudyante, huwag lang module ang ating tignan. Ang module po ay isang bahagi lang. Nandiyan ang radyo, TV, internet at cellphone. Gamitin po natin lahat para tayo ay matuto at gamitin natin lahat sa pagtuturo,” said Usec. Pascua.

Through collaborations with local radio stations, local government units, and other stakeholders, various schools introduced FM Radio projects that will help the students in attaining quality education.

SDS Gando also noted that even after the pandemic, the RBI method could still be applied for the reason that it gives them an easier avenue to communicate with their learners and community.

“Even if tapos na yung pandemic, kitang-kita natin na ang ganitong modality will going to stay even after the pandemic with all the benefits na pwede pang ma-derived. Tulad ng information dissemination sa community at further instruction sa mga bata, ang mga activities sa klase ay maipagpapatuloy parin,” Gando added.

 

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