MANILA (UPDATE) — Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said Wednesday the local government has raised P1.2 billion to provide the needs of public schools as the city shifts to distance learning due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The money will be used to buy laptops, tablets and other gadgets that students and teachers could use for distance learning, Sotto said in a Facebook livestream.

"Nakahanap po tayo ng P1.2 billion para sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan, para sa mga mag-aaral mula sa elementarya hanggang sa senior high school," he said.

(We found P1.2 billion for our public schools, for our students from elementary up to senior high school.)

Sotto added that some 2,500 students from the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Pasig would also get gadgets from the local government, which would cost around P30 million.

Residents without internet access at home may go to areas in the city where there are "local networks," said Sotto.

The mayor urged students to enroll for the coming school year, assuring them that the city government would provide their needs.

"Wala kayong extra na gastos dito. Papasok lang kayo. Mag-enroll lang kayo tapos kami na po bahala sa distance learning. Huwag po kayo tumigil sa pag-aaral, 'yan po ang pakiusap ko sa inyo," he said.

(You won't spend anything. You will just go to school. Just enroll and we will take care of distance learning. Don't stop from schooling, that's what I'm asking.)

In-person classes have been prohibited to avoid exposing students, teachers and school personnel to the risk of the coronavirus disease.

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Schools are set to use online platforms, printed or digital modules, television and radio to deliver lessons to students when classes start in August.