Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 23) — The Department of Education (DepEd) has warned the public against the distribution of unauthorized and outdated learning materials amid the government’s effort to promote blended learning under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the Laging Handa virtual briefing on Tuesday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said unidentified sources have been distributing online resources which have not undergone proper curriculum review.
“Meron tayong basic curriculum kung ano ang dapat learning competencies na matuto ang bata,” Briones said. “Pangalawa, pinagkakitaan ang ating mga kababayan at ang DepEd. Malay ba natin kung nagbayad ng taxes o hindi.”
[Translation: We have a basic curriculum indicating the corresponding learning competencies of students. Second, they could be making money at the expense of the public and the DepEd. We don’t even know if they paid taxes or not.]
“May mga librong ginagamit na ilang taon na, out of circulation,” she also said. “Ginagamit pa ng eskwelahan, pero talagang labag yan sa batas and we are taking appropriate action on that,” said Briones, noting that some materials are even bearing the logo of the agency.
[Translation: There are books which have been out of circulation for years. Schools are still using them, but that is really against the law and we are taking appropriate action on that.]
The department reminded the public that materials and modules from the DepEd Commons and their learning resource portal are the only ones that have been authorized for distribution. These can be accessed and downloaded for free.
To report illegal distribution of learning materials, the agency can be reached through action@deped.gov.ph.
