Press Release
August 19, 2020

Dispatch from Crame No. 882:
Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Expression of Support on Tax Exemptions on Gadgets and Digital Educational Materials

8/19/20

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to education systems around the world. A World Bank study revealed that more than 1.7 billion students have been affected by this gigantic educational crisis worldwide.

Education has changed dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, the use of gadgets and the maximization of a wide array of digital platforms in instruction. Technology has thus become one of the most critical tools to support and aid our teachers and students in light of the need to remain outside of classrooms and the government's pronouncement of continuing education in the midst of this pandemic.

Makikita natin sa social media ang mga gurong nagsabing gagamit na lamang sila ng personal na mga gadyet sa kanilang pagtuturo dahil walang maasahang tulong sa pamahalaan. Makikita rin ang mga estudyanteng dinadaan na lang sa sariling diskarte o kaya naman sa paghingi ng tulong upang makayanang bumili ng mga kinakailangan nila para makasabay sa online learning sa paghahangad at kagustuhang magpatuloy sa pag-aaral.

Hindi ito katanggap-tanggap! Teachers and students alike should not have to rely solely on personal initiatives and the goodwill of other individuals to keep up with the demands of e-learning. Systemic problems require systemic solutions.

Proposals to exempt educational apps, e-books, computers, tablets and other communication devices to be purchased by students and teachers from Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a good place to start and deserves consideration in the Senate if the national government is serious about its proclamation that no learner should be left behind.

If the DepEd and CHEd insist that classes should proceed without further delays, then the needs of the poor and most vulnerable should be addressed first and foremost. Pakiusap lang, huwag na nating dagdagan ang hirap at gastusin ng ating mga estudyante at guro.

(Access the handwritten copy of Dispatch from Crame No. 882 here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_no._882)

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