Assign some Mitsubishi Strada trucks for module distribution – group

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) urged the Department of Education to assign some of the 437 vehicles bought by DepEd for module distribution to remote areas.

DepEd Undersecretary Alain Pascua said  procured 166  4×4 GLS MT trucks, which costs P1.5 million per unit, even before the COVID-19 pandemic so DepEd personnel could reach schools in remote areas.
According to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), it delivered 166 units to DepEd. The department said the engineers would use the trucks for field inspection.
MMPC added the additional units were on top of the Strada trucks turned over to DepEd last December 5, 2019, bringing 254 vehicles.
Benjo Basas, TDC national president, said that teachers have also been going to remote areas daily to distribute learning modules but were not given any transportation allowances and performed their duties at their own expense.

“What buildings are they inspecting, and how hard is it exactly to reach these schools? How often must they conduct inspections? If there is anyone who needs those vehicles more, it is the teachers,” Basas said.

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Assign some Mitsubishi Strada trucks for module distribution – group

Meanwhile, Annalyn Sevilla, education undersecretary for finance, explained that the DepEd was “not authorized” to distribute allowances for teachers. She said such benefits were not included in the agency’s budget. She added they had to secure authorization from the Department of Budget and Management before allocating funding.

DepEd earlier said it would provide internet allowance for teachers, but the department has yet to release updates regarding the amount of the cash assistance.

“No matter which angle we look at, it is not right that the DepEd purchased hundreds of expensive vehicles while our teachers beg for financial aid just to produce modules for their students. Who is the DepEd’s real priority?” Basas said.

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The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also slammed DepED for buying new service vehicles, saying it was an “insensible” use of funds when teachers have been shouldering the costs of implementing remote learning.

“We were anguished with this insensible use of education money, especially when our teachers shoulder the costs for bond paper, ink, devices, and internet connectivity needed just to make modular and online learning happen amid the pandemic,” ACT Secretary-General Raymond Basilio said in a statement.