AFP told to revive distance learning schools (10:08 a.m.)
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Alexander Yano to revive distance learning schools in remote and insurgency-affected areas where soldiers serve as teachers to ensure that the youth continue to get proper education.
Arroyo, in an informal discussion with the media at the Panglao Resort and Spa in Bohol, said there are some insurgency-affected areas where teachers refuse to teach for fear for their safety.
Yano, who was with the President during the activity, reported that the “Eskwelahang Bayan” where soldiers act as teachers is still implemented in at least two provinces in Mindanao. Eskwelang Bayan was introduced by retired Brigadier General Victor Corpus.
“It is better if we would return the program especially in communist-affected areas,” Arroyo said, cautioning that the soldiers should be careful on the content of the education they impart to the students to ensure that it is at par with the one taught in regular schools.
Aside from Arroyo and Yano, Secretaries Arthur Yap of Agriculture, Peter Favila of Trade, Joseph Durano of Tourism, and Rolando Andaya Jr. of Budget were also present in the informal interaction with the media. (JMR/Sunnex)
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