The Bayambang ‘face-to-face’ tutorial hub

THE local government of Bayambang is on the right track, organizing its community-based Distance Learning Enhancement Program, basically a tutorial hub for Grades 7 to 10 students in the English language, Math and Science subjects.

It’s the ideal prescription for students in our towns and cities who are made to experience distance learning for the first time. It’s bad enough that our students are easily distracted when forced to learn from modules in a passive mode, made to watch videos of teachers going through the motion of teaching that cannot allow for interaction.

Of note, the three subjects are the basic knowledge that ensures a high degree of literacy among our students in global competitive conditions around the world. Proficiency in English language in our country has completely deteriorated as evidenced by the worsening average of board passers, which tests are conducted in English.

Proficiency in Math is what allows one to understand and cope with the intricacies of survival in whatever concern, be it in economy, health or politics. Science puts one ahead of others when he or she has no difficulty understanding how technology has evolved and will continue to be developed in order to make a “smart” community.

Needless to say, such a hub requires the services of very qualified teachers who specialize in these subjects. Qualifications and experience are high on the criteria for selection.

We hope the provincial IATF would find no reason to stop the program and will instead seek to promote the program for the benefit of our students grappling with distance learning.

 

Free swab test

THE standard price for COVID-19 testing has been finally set by the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). But why are private labs allowed to charge higher (from P4,500 to P5,000) than public labs (P3,800)?  Private labs are better than public labs?  Aren’t the tests one and the same?  Or are we playing favorites here?  Well, the ready rationale is, public labs are subsidized by the government.  Meaning, government shares in the testing costs.  Fair enough.  But to millions of our poor folk, P3,800 per RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) aka swab test is still a sizable sum amid a sea of joblessness.  Let the rich pay the amount because they can afford it anyway.  But for the downtrodden to cough out P3,800 would be too much to ask.  What better way for the government to show real love than give a free swab test, instead?  Caring matters.

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