MANILA, Philippines — Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has committed to shoulder over P10 million broadcasting cost of 13 DepEd channels responsible for airing educational learning to various students amid this COVID-19 pandemic.
“Galing ako sa hirap kaya alam ko ang nararamdaman ng mga mag-aaral at mga magulang nila.”
SENATOR MANNY PACQUAIO
In a statement, Pacquiao decided on this as students from far-off places are having difficulty securing internet connection for online learning while some have no means to procure necessary gadgets.
“Alam ko din na hindi pa 100% coverage ‘yang internet natin sa Pilipinas, kaya kahit me pambili ka ng laptop o gadget, hindi ka pa din nakakasiguro na aabot sa ‘yo ang mga aralin buhat sa DepEd.”
Senator manny pacquiao
Pacquiao together with his boxing camp is doing its best effort to raise funds for broadcasting sustainance.
Due to the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education has decided to move the opening of classes for the school year 2020-2021 from August 24 to October 5.
“Sa tulong ng mga nasa industriya ng telecommunications, nagawan namin ng paraan para may magamit na 13 TV channels ang DepEd nang walang gastos sa gobyerno at mga estudyante. Kaya wala nang dahilan para hindi matuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata ngayong darating na pasukan,” said Pacquiao
The senator’s office said the proposal has been submitted to DepEd. It added that Tim Orbos is heading the program.
“On the cost – again no cost to gov’t. But if one would pay for it : National broadcast at 13 channels/10 M for 8 hrs/day× 20 days/month would cost millions monthly. In our case, our satellite transmission is at the disposal of the senator for the project covering utilizing our excess bandwidth. His friends are helping out shouldering other costs,” said Orbos in a message.
According to DepEd’s data, there have been over 24 million students that have enrolled for the upcoming school year. However, those from the poor and marginalized sectors have expressed their concern over the shift to blended learning due to lack of funds to acquire the needed materials to participate in the program.
The DepEd has since rolled out television programs for students, with 27 professional teachers hired to serve as broadcasters.