DepEd Digitization in Jeopardy: Teachers' Group Sounds Alarm on Budget Cuts
The education sector in the Philippines is facing a daunting challenge as Congress slashes P12 billion from the Department of Education (DepEd) budget, which may derail the department's digitization efforts. Teachers are still without laptops, students are using outdated technology, and the lack of classrooms is becoming a major concern. The budget cut is expected to exacerbate these issues, hindering the progress of online learning and digital literacy programs. This move is seen as a setback for the education sector, which is already struggling to keep up with the demands of modern learning. With the integration of technology in education becoming increasingly important, the reduction in budget may have far-reaching consequences on the quality of education in the country. The teachers' group is urging the government to reconsider the budget cut, citing the importance of investing in digital education and teacher training to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills for the future. Key issues such as educational technology, digital divide, and teacher development are at stake. The fate of DepEd's digitization program hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen how the department will navigate this challenge.