This Week in Media (August 8 to 12, 2022)
“Zero accomplishments,” overpriced laptop complaints hound DepEd
FACE-TO-FACE classes are scheduled to resume on August 22, which means the Department of Education (DepEd) is busier than usual with the necessary preparations. As seen on newscasts every year, teachers are once again inspecting the adequacy of their classrooms, school supplies and equipment.
Unfortunately, the annual Brigada Eskwela is not the only issue currently on DepEd’s plate. Media organizations are reporting issues the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged in its 2021 audit report such as “zero accomplishment” in textbook procurement; low accomplishments in classroom repairs, electrification and furniture procurement; and the purchase of overpriced and “outdated” laptops for teachers.
In a statement, DepEd directed the public’s attention to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM), claiming that the latter was in the best position to address the issue of laptop prices. CMFR cheered Inquirer.net’s report that emphasized how many teachers ended up being deprived of laptops because PS-DBM purchased units at a cost higher than their market price.
Media duly noted that the PS-DBM is the same office involved in the anomalous multibillion government contracts with Pharmally Pharmaceuticals. News accounts also reported this week that PS-DBM has once again been flagged by COA for buying personal protective equipment (PPE) which were not certified safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Reports said both the House and the Senate have filed resolutions seeking a probe into DepEd’s procurement of the laptops. A separate House resolution was filed by the Makabayan bloc seeking to abolish the PS-DBM.
CMFR cheered GMA News Digital’s report on another issue involving DepEd: the K-12 program. Citing expert sources and studies, the report called attention to the need to review the program’s implementation and effectiveness.
COVID cases
The Philippine Star had for banner story on August 10 the increase, per the Department of Health (DOH), of COVID cases in all areas of the country, except in the Visayas where the numbers are “plateauing.” Speaking to media, Maria Rosario Vergeire, officer-in-charge of DOH, encouraged the public to get booster shots. In the same briefing, she clarified that there is still no evidence on the need for boosters for children aged 5 to 11.Vergeire encouraged parents to have their children jabbed with primary doses for COVID-19 in time for the resumption of face-to-face classes. For the 5 to 11 age group, Vergeire noted that only 40 percent or 4.2 million have received primary doses.
Media reported that the Senate is going on a three-week lockdown for guests starting August 15 after Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Cynthia Villar and Imee Marcos contracted COVID.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed anew for the creation of virology and disease control centers when he spoke during the 15th Philippine National Health Research System Week gathering on August 11. But media did not ask how high the appointment of a Health Secretary is in his priority list.
Flooding, climate crisis
News accounts reported cases of flooding in Metro Manila, Cebu, Maguindanao and Cotabato due to recent weather disturbances and monsoon rains. CMFR cheered One PH’s segment that discussed the perennial problem in Metro Manila, and what policies can be adopted to address the issue.
Incidentally, international news reported this week that Seoul, South Korea has been hit by torrential rains, causing the country’s worst flooding in 80 years. The Korea Herald reported that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-Hoon had downplayed the threat of the flood, and that the city government has slashed flood control funding significantly.
Philippine media should take note of reporting that focuses on such policy failures, since the Philippines is prone to extreme weather events and would be among the most affected by the worsening climate crisis.
In a related issue, CMFR cheered Philstar.com’s series that pointed to the Philippines lack of commitment to “green recovery” as coal is still the country’s major source of power.
A new drug war?
Media reported recent public statements concerning the police. President Marcos told the force during its 121st anniversary to exercise reason and moral principles in doing their duty, especially when the use of force is called for. Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), told dzBB that there should be a comprehensive study on the root of drug use, adding that “killing is not the solution.” Azurin also raised the idea of engaging spiritual leaders to serve as counselors and facilitate reforms in the PNP.
A Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial interpreted the remarks of Marcos and Azurin as “encouraging,” and compared former President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutality in the execution of his so-called “drug war.” The Inquirer added that Azurin “should put muscle to his lofty aim,” and the media should follow up whether he does so or not.
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