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The Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday that it was not authorized to close the community learning centers under the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which the DepEd insists were not among its projects.
The Secretary of Education, Leonor Briones, said that although the two parties have exchanged letters, she reiterated that she did not “authorize” the face-to-face sessions. But when asked if the learning centers should be closed, Briones said the agency “has no authority” to do so.
“We do not have the authority to impose sanctions on the OVP because it is not part of our mandate. Maybe it’s the other [government] agencies that are investigating that, ”Briones said in Filipino.
The OVP, in previous statements, said that DepEd “welcomed” the initiative and did not oppose it. DepEd said, however, that its response was “in a general sense” as it welcomed all initiatives for continuity of learning.
“It looks to be [been a] lack of communication. There is no phrase or word [in the letter] saying he is authorized to continue his programs. “
On Thursday, OVP spokesman Barry Gutiérrez said in an interview with the ANC that they coordinated the project with DepEd, but were “re-evaluating” whether the learning centers should go ahead.
In addition to providing “tutorial support” to no more than six students, the learning centers also provide connectivity and device assistance to more than 2,000 students at 11 active centers in Luzon and the Visayas during distance learning, the OVP said.
President Rodrigo Duterte stated that face-to-face classes will not begin until a vaccine for the new coronavirus has been found, prompting DepEd to establish modified distance education.
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