MANILA - The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said it was still finalizing its “learning continuity plan,” which would ensure the continued schooling of students while the country dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

Education officials said they are still assessing data on curriculum changes, grading methods, teaching skills, operations, and communications.

“’Yong learning continuity plan ay binabalangkas ngayon… lahat nag-i-input dito and this will be presented to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) probably within May,” Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said in a press briefing.

(We’re still plotting the learning continuity plan… everyone is giving an input here and this will be presented to the IATF probably within May.)

REALLOCATION IN BUDGET

Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said they would reallocate funds to purchase communication tools, which could be used by department personnel, teachers and learners.

The budget will come from DepEd projects canceled because of the pandemic, such as conventions, trainings, and conferences, she said.

“May partnerships na kami for other tele-networks, this is TV and radio. Mayroon din kaming digital learning resources, we are purchasing the copyright [of learning materials],” said Sevilla.

(We have partnerships for other tele-networks, this is TV and radio. We also have digital learning resources, we are purchasing the copyright [of learning materials].)

Sevilla added that the agency may seek donations to address the shortage in materials needed for online learning, such as tablets and laptops.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier said they were studying various alternatives to deliver education to students, such as blending online and classroom learning.

• DepEd eyes blending online, classroom learning for next school year

-- Report from Jasmin Romero, ABS-CBN News