Modular learning modality most applicable in Ifugao

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the most applicable learning delivery modality in Ifugao is modular through printed or digital.
In a radio program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education-Ifugao Schools Division Superintendent Benedicta Gamatero said based on the survey they conducted in May, 1,519 out of 2,601 respondents have cellphones, 980 have laptops, 21 have desktops, and 81 have no gadgets.
On Internet signals at home with 2,412 respondents, 1,108 have poor signals, 752 with fluctuating signal, 303 with no signal, and 249 with strong signal.
On Internet signal in the barangay with 2,333 respondents, 948 said they have fluctuating signal, 843 with poor, 346 with strong, and 182 with no signal.
On cellphone signal at home with 2,417 respondents, 952 have poor signal, 786 fluctuating, 497 strong, and 182 have no cellphone signal.
On cellphone signals in the barangay with 2,420 respondents, 987 said there are fluctuating 748 poor, 593 strong, and 92 have no signal.
Gamatero said television/radio-based instruction can also be considered since there are five local radio FM stations in Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo, Banaue, Lagawe and Lamut and two television networks in Banaue and Lagawe.
These new modes of educational system are pursued amid the Covid-19 pandemic with the conviction that “education must continue” without compromising the health and safety of the learners, teachers, and staff.
With President Rodrigo Duterte’s non-negotiable stand that there will be no face-to-face learning unless a vaccine for the Covid-19 is available, DepEd has come up with “Learning Opportunities are Available for All” in the new normal adopting the distance learning delivery modality consisting of the modular distance learning, blended learning, and home schooling.
The modular distance learning is adopted by learners who do not have Internet connectivity, so printed or digital materials called self-learning modules are used in learning while blended learning is a combination of online distance learning, modular distance learning, and TV/radio-based instruction wherein the learners use computers, tablets, smart phones, CD, DVD, USB storage, TV/radio, and printed modules in learning.
Home schooling is an alternative learning delivery modality that provides learners with access to formal education while staying in a home-based environment with a parent, guardian, or tutor as authorized learning facilitators instead of classroom teachers.
The process on how this modality will be implemented is still under review by the DepEd central office. – Daniel B. Codamon