In line with the celebration of the International World Teachers’ Day, the Quezon City government on Monday assured its public school teachers that they would continuously receive their monthly supplemental allowance to support their needs for the new learning modalities.
“As our teachers sacrifice and adjust to the new normal, we want them to be justly compensated. Aside from their salaries, they can expect monthly supplemental allowance from the city government,” Mayor Joy Belmonte promised.
At the same time, Belmonte appealed to residents to reduce unnecessary use of internet during class hours to give students fast access and reliable internet connection for their online classes.
“As classes begin today, students need a stable internet connection to properly attend their online classes. We appeal to the neighborhoods and community to lessen their internet consumption, particularly on unnecessary video streaming, during class hours,” she said.
“As much as possible, it is also best not to download heavy content, and lessen online games. Through this, our students will have uninterrupted learning,” she added.
Over 22 million public elementary and high school students started their classes Monday under the new normal wherein Department of Education uses remote learning approaches, which include modular, online, and blended classes for the safety of the students.
Aside from minimizing online activities, Belmonte also asked barangays to issue a stern warning to residents to refrain doing activities that could distract the students in their distance learning, such as karaoke sessions or playing loud music.
“Online classes are challenging not just for the students, but also for the teachers and parents who are helping them. That is why we appeal for cooperation from all residents and support the learning of the children,” she cited.
Belmonte said the city government would also provide 3,210 laptops for teachers in all 160 elementary and secondary public schools.
Apart from the provision for modules and tablets for students, the local government also prioritized the teacher’s need for laptops and other equipment and even allotted over P124 million from its special education fund for school year 2020-2021.
The laptops would complement the existing laptops used in public schools.
“In order to properly conduct online classes, we will provide laptop units which will be divided in all public schools for the common use of their teachers. We want them to be equipped and ready to provide quality education for our students,” Belmonte said.
A monthly load of P1,000 would also be provided for all public school teachers to aid them in the preparation of modules and lessons.
According to Belmonte, a separate fund has been allocated to grant financial assistance to public school teachers to cover their annual medical check-up, retired teachers medical assistance program, death aid contribution system and medical assistance for seriously ill teachers.
Meanwhile, the city’s Education Affairs Unit has created a webinar series entitled QuaranTalks QC designed to address the needs of the parents and other stakeholders brought about by the sudden shift of schools to distance learning.
“The parents play a very important role in this new modular learning. Through this Quarantalks, our goal is to assist them in adjusting to the new school year in the midst of the pandemic,” said Aly Medalla, EAU chief.