Iloilo City has invested at least P116-million for the enhancement of the educational needs of the Ilonggos amidst the pandemic since 2020. Included in these initiatives are the programs and projects which aims to augment public education quality and standards.
Part of the project implementation is also to reach out to Ilonggos for their education to continue even at home.
Modular and Online Teaching
“There were no face-to-face classes but it did not hinder us to stop, so we made big adjustments to meet the requirements of modular and online teaching,” said Special Assistant to the Mayor Maria Mathilde Treñas.
Mayor Jerry Treñas is also hopeful that through these improvements, students in city-run schools will be able to become competitive or at par with their private counterparts.
The following have been the breakdown of the expenditures:
P60-million was spent for production of modules for purchase of consumables including bond papers and inks.
P15-million worth of 587 laptops were given to teachers with 100 percent Internet connectivity upgraded to fiber optics lines.
P14-million worth of modules in print for students.
P4-million to purchase 17 risograph machines and 17 photocopiers.
The budget is from the Special Education Fund (“SEF”) benefitting 68 elementary and high schools.
Laptops for Teachers
Iloilo City values the efforts and dedication of the educators, and one of the city’s support is by providing them laptops that they need for their online classes.
An initial of 259 units of laptops were turned over to the Department of Education for our teachers in the city.
In addition, the Iloilo City Government has reserved P15million worth of funds for the purchase of 517 devices as everyone is transitioning to online classes. These devices aim to improve teaching materials for the students. As well to help cultivate the young minds of the Ilonggo children.
Iloilo City Education in the New Normal
“Now, we are preparing for the return of students depending on the national government. The teachers and school personnel were vaccinated for their safety. Actually, part of SEF was used to purchase city vaccines, I think 600,000 doses. We also donated to other areas,” said Treñas.
“We also installed washing areas for cleaning of hands to ensure health safety,” Treñas said.
A total of P23-million or P350,000 per school for wash facility consisting of six faucets, sinks, water tanks, connected to distribution lines or using deep well and water pump.
The city is also done in installing CCTV cameras for the security of 68 schools.
“We involve schools and Parents Teachers Associations (“PTAs”) to help in the campaign for 5-11 vaccination. So when the time comes for face-to-face classes, children will be much safer because if they are vaccinated they will get protection from severe form of COVID-19,” he added.
