Angara says DepEd is studying solarization of public schools

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has said that the agency is studying the possibility of putting solar panels in public schools, as the country is under national emergency caused by the crisis in Middle East.

Angara has said this in response to questions from reporters on Thursday, April 16, on the government’s contingency measures regarding the crisis.

“We’re studying the possibility of solarizing our public schools. We see long-term benefits in installing solar panels on school rooftops,” he said.

He added, solarization will help schools save energy in the long-run.

“So definitely I see it as a good option to install solar panels in our school.. at the same time, you’re helping the national effort to conserve energy.”

The Education chief, however, has said that the program may not be implemented on a larger scale as the agency has no budget for solarization, but may have in the next year.

“We don’t have a budget for that actually. Unless we have savings or we get from maintenance funds. So realistically speaking, if we’re looking at doing it on a large scale, maybe we can do it next year,” he said.

On one hand, he said DepEd operations next year will remain face to face and they have no plan to expand alternative learning modalities.

“Regarding [blended] learning, we have none for now because our bias is really toward face-to-face instruction.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has earlier declared a national energy emergency to address the issue caused by the ongoing tension in the Middle East.

While Marcos directed a four-day work week arrangement for government offices, teaching staff in schools are not included.

Regarding next school year, the President has approved last month the adoption of the three-term school calendar for public elementary to senior high school, following the Economic Development Council.

The new policy seeks to enhance learning continuity and to reclaim lost time due to weather disturbances and other interruptions.

Source: DepEd Click, Remate, Tribune, Inquirer (1), Inquirer (2)