The provincial government of Davao Oriental on Tuesday turned over PHP5.7 million worth of learning materials and equipment to the Department of Education (DepEd) in support of the agency’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

The donation includes 17 units of duplicator machines, 9,322 reams of A4 book papers, 1,275 bottles of ink, 510 pieces of master pens. These will be distributed to 17 district schools which comprise the whole Davao Oriental schools division.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang said the provincial government recognizes quality education as a foundation for improving people’s lives and obtaining sustainable development.

“We acknowledge our key role to keep teachers, students, and other members of the academic community on track. We will continue to level up our efforts to coordinate with DepEd in providing what is needed to ensure that no learner is left behind,” he said.

Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Reynaldo Mellorida, said the support materials are highly needed to facilitate modular and distance learning, especially in remote areas without electricity and internet connectivity.

“Heeding the call for the Department of Education to rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic, we are ensuring that learning continues,” he added.

Mellorida added that the limited face-to-face learning has been canceled due to the imposing threat of the coronavirus disease, the support supplies will be used for the production of more modules in the next couple of months.

Meanwhile, Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Joel Mayo Z. Almario also graced the ceremony and shared his appreciation for the provincial government given that these supplies will boost the preparedness of DepEd for the 2021 classes through faster reproduction of modules.

“We are upbeat that the government will continue its support to education, especially now that we have been facing the challenges of the pandemic,” Almario added. (PNA)