THE first radio-based instruction (RBI) educational modality in Pampanga was launched in San Juan Baño Elementary School in Arayat, Pampanga Friday, October 22, 2021.

Dubbed as "Radyo Eskwela," the modality is aimed at boosting the efficiency of distance learning while face-to-face classes are still not allowed.

According to School Principal Violeta Cordova, RBI will supplement the modular and online learning via Facebook live modality currently being implemented in the school.

"Dahil mahirap talaga ang distance learning, humahanap tayo ng paraan para mapadali sa teachers at students ang pag-aaral. Ngayon, nakita namin parang nasa face-to-face classes na rin ang mga bata through RBI," she said.

She added that each grade level will have its own time slot every day for the lessons and it will be simulcast through Facebook Live.

She also disclosed that the radio frequency can reach up to a five-meter radius, which can cover the area of all students enrolled in the school.

Barangay San Juan Baño Chairman Froilan Soriano, for his part, said the use of RBI will allow students who have no means for internet connection to still receive proper education during this time of the pandemic.

Soriano said the barangay initially planned to provide free wifi connection to all households in support of distance learning, but a survey showed that RBI will be more efficient.

"Ito bawas burden na rin sa mga magulang na hindi kayang bumili ng smart phone at magpaload para sa data araw-araw. Isa pa, ang signal dito sa amin lugar ay hindi rin kagandahan dahil nga sa may bundok kaya naisip namin na mas maiigi ang programanv ito kaya sinuportahan namin," he said.

Free transistor radios

Meanwhile, Arayat's first lady and mayoral aspirant Madeth Alejandrino has donated 1,500 transistor radios to all students enrolled in the school.

Cordova said there are some 1,554 students in town, but some of them live in the same household.

"Para masiguro na mas effective at maayos ang implementation ng Radyo Eskwela, ibinigay na po namin itong mga radyo sa mga bata para hindi na gagastos ang magulang at may sariling gamit ang mga bata," Alejandrino said.

She also urged other public schools, especially those near Mount Arayat, to emulate San Juan Baño's program to ensure the continuity of learning in their area.

"Sa mga willing na maglaunch din ng ganitong programa, maaasahan ninyo ang parehong suporta mula po sa Team Alejandrino. Kung ano po ang kailangan ng mga bata at teachers, tutulong po kami para ma-provide 'yun," she said.