DepEd procures 87M learning materials for alternative education

The Department of Education (DepEd) has procured over 87 million learning modules and 74,492 tablets to support learners nationwide under the Flexible Learning Options (FLO) fund.

In a press statement on Saturday, the DepEd said its early procurement activities (EPA) will benefit over 300,000 learners in high- and medium-risk areas across 16 regions, ensuring they have the tools necessary to continue their education through alternative modalities.

“These learning resources are designed to support learners who are studying independently, allowing them to learn at their own pace and make adjustments as needed,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.

“We made a commitment to fast-track learning resources, and we are making good on that promise. EPA is more than just a procurement strategy. It is a game-changer in making sure no learner is left waiting,” he added.

The Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) has already distributed 2.975 million modules and 330,000 session guides across the country. In addition, a P115 million allocation has been provided to regions for the reproduction of locally developed modules, including 41 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Elementary modules and 41 A&E Junior High School (JHS) modules.

Almost 300 Alternative Learning System (ALS) implementers have undergone specialized training, supported by UNESCO, to ensure effective use of these resources.

The FLO program offers Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) and ALS.

''ADMs offer a menu of alternative learning delivery approaches and programs that cater to learners enrolled in the formal system but for various reasons are at risk of dropping out. It follows the K to 12 curriculum but does not follow the traditional classroom setup. It allows learning through modular distance learning, online distance learning, blended learning, the Open High School System, Night High School, Rural Farm School, and Homeschooling,'' the DepEd said. — Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA Integrated News