CAMP BADO DANGWA -- Men and women of Benguet Provincial Police Office (PPO) who are former teachers are ready to assist for the continuity of education in the highlands.
Police Colonel Elmer Ragay, Benguet PPO provincial director, said the names and contact numbers of 26 personnel who are licensed teachers from the 13 towns were forwarded to Department of Education (DepEd)-Benguet.
This will not be the first time that cops will be teaching and assisting learners.
Five years ago, local police launched "Police ko, Teacher ko," which is comprised of licensed teachers providing information education campaign from crime prevention awareness, child safety, welfare and development, among others.
Ragay said they are ready when called by the education department for assistance, adding the police will still be under the supervision of DepEd and school authorities.
Last month, DepEd-Cordillera, together with partner agencies, held a memorandum of agreement that includes task of the PNP and other agencies to distribute learning modules of students within the respective areas of responsibility.
May Eclar, DepEd-Cordillera director, said that under the MOA, para-teachers or teaching assistants and volunteer teachers will help provide instructions and filling up of worksheets of learners.
The agency also sought assistance from barangay volunteers, social workers, retired teachers, PNP volunteers, other employed individuals, relatives who may be able to assist in teaching.
In an earlier survey, she said 60 percent of parents can provide teaching support to the learners.
DepEd-Cordillera is set to adopt new learning modes via the learning continuity program, including learning modules that will be available in print, TV and radio-based instructions and digital formats.
Instead of August 24 opening of classes, the Office of the President Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, as recommended by the DepEd, previously deferred the opening of classes to October 5 in a bid to ensure preparations have been made for the smooth and successful virtual opening of classes for the academic year 2020-2021. (Lauren Alimondo)
