Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday said the Philippines has to adopt the “adapt, innovate, and manage” (AIM) strategy in planning the upcoming opening of face-to-face classes this August to ensure that all students and teachers are safe from COVID-19.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Nationwide on June 25, Cayetano said while the Department of Education (DepEd) managed the conduct of remote learning and classes well during the pandemic, it needs to improve on adaptation and innovation.
“Ang tingin ko naman, maganda ang management ng DepEd, pero kulang sa pag-aadapt at innovation,” Cayetano said.
(I think DepEd is managing this pandemic well, but there is a lack of adaptation and innovation.)
He highlighted the major education initiatives in Taguig City which the country can use as models, including the provision of free school supplies, uniforms, and services like free graduation, Junior-Senior prom, scouting, and other school activities shouldered by the local government.
“Sa Taguig, naging simple ang aming formula: parents, students, and teachers,” he said.
(In Taguig City, our formula was simple: parents, students, and teachers.)
Aside from the provision of free supplies, uniforms, and services, Cayetano said the local government of Taguig City also established complete and state-of-the-art facilities, such as classrooms and computer laboratories, and provided teachers with various training, increase in allowances, and teachers’ lounge where they can rest.
In a separate interview with RMN Dumaguete, Cayetano said the DepEd can conduct pilot face-to-face classes in localities with low COVID-19 infection.
“Ang nakikita ko diyan, pwede tayo mag-pilot sa mga probinsya na mababa naman ‘yung COVID-19 as long as ligtas ‘yung mga bata. Pero definitely we need a future-thinking group na talagang mag-innovate at talagang mag-isip kung pa’no ‘yung education for COVID-19,” Cayetano said.
(We can conduct pilot classes in provinces with low COVID-19 infection as long as the students are safe. But we definitely need a future-thinking group that will help innovate and think about the future of education post-COVID-19.)###
