THIRTY-FIVE public elementary and high schools have already been installed with faster Internet connectivity.

A total of 68 city-run primary and secondary schools will benefit from this initiative.

This came after Mayor Jerry Treñas tapped PLDT Inc. in an effort to provide fast internet in preparation for opening of classes where there will be no personal interaction.

"This school year since there's a pandemic, as much as possible, we have to minimize face-to-face learning, thus there should be availability of internet. Some of our schools have internet but very slow, while others are not working," said Maria Mathilde Octavio, special assistant to the mayor.

"As early as April, we inspected schools and the mayor saw the need to equip them with good connection. This is a big help to our teachers doing e-learning. Schools will be provided with and upgraded to business plan which is fiber optics," she added.

This kind of Internet service is considered reliable in terms of connection.

City Hall shoulders the cost as charged from Special Education Fund.

"This will be complemented from surplus of P15 million from Special Education Fund. We will provide our teachers with laptops to help them," said Octavio.

These initiatives aim to enable and enhance blended teaching and learning in the city. (PR)