PCOO chief not worried about TV frequencies for distance learning

He added that the Department of Education (DepEd) has also coordinated with network companies that are willing to carry classes through distance learning. (File Photo: Martin Andanar/Facebook)

MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said he is not worried about the lack of television (TV) frequencies that will be used for distance learning.

In an interview over DWIZ, Andanar said private individuals and groups have guaranteed to shoulder the cost of operation of TV channels.

“I am not worried na kukulangin ho tayo ng frequencies dahil napakadami hong gustong tumulong sa pribadong sector (that we will lack frequencies because there are many of our friends from the private sector want to help),” he said.

He added that the Department of Education (DepEd) has also coordinated with network companies that are willing to carry classes through distance learning.

Senator Manny Pacquiao has also shouldered the cost of operating 13 TV channels for DepEd’s use, stressing how students from far-off places have no access to computers or internet connection.

Andanar said the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) has started its test broadcast to assess the preparedness of teachers.

The DepEd earlier moved the opening of the school year 2020-2021 to October 5 from August 24 due to restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Data from DepEd said there have been over 24 million students that have enrolled for the upcoming school year.

President Rodrigo Duterte rejected the resumption of face-to-face (F2F) classes until a vaccine against Covid-19 is developed.

Instead of F2F classes, the DepEd is set to implement distance learning strategies with TV and radio-based instruction being one of the three main setups with modular and online learning as the other two options.