IN THIS time of the pandemic, gadgets should be considered as essential, an official said.
Baguio City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda strongly urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to classify computers, laptops, notebook computers, tablets and other technological gadgets as essential goods.
Tabanda explained the new normal expects to see more paperless, cashless and other online transactions, making gadgets essential items.
"Thus, it has to consider that we are now entering a new era of technology where products that were not classified as essentials before are now considered essential in the everyday life," Tabanda said.
Tabanda added with the opening of classes on August 24, parents and students are bracing themselves for the blended learning scheme which combines online learning, face-to-face classes and modular printed materials in transmitting the lessons from the school to the students.
The councilor said online classes require the use of gadgets such as laptops, personal computers, tablets, pocket wi-fi and other mobile and electronic devices.
She added that among the most in-demand gadgets is the laptop because it is lightweight, designed for portability and is battery-powered.
"The blended learning strategy for the school year 2020-2021 has resulted in an increase in prices of the in-demand gadgets and has become an alarming concern. The DTI has classified the computer laptop, desktop computer, tablet and other such technology gadgets as non-essential goods. Thus, they cannot exercise price control over these items," Tabanda added.