Lawmaker proposes to use the ABS-CBN's frequencies for distance learning

After the congress rejected the application of the ABS-CBN for a franchise renewal, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte proposed the use of the network's frequencies to aid the current dilemma in the educational system of the country with regard to reaching out to the learners amid this pandemic.

In his proposal, the government would allow the use of TV and radio frequencies of ABS-CBN to support the needs of the educational sector in reaching out to the learners or the so-called "distance learning".

Villafuerte is one of the lawmakers who voted to deny the franchise renewal of the network. Now that it has been denied, he believes that its frequencies can of great help to deliver education to most of the country's households.

“Exhausting all possible delivery modes such as the use of untapped television and radio frequencies as those vacated by ABS-CBN is important in keeping students engaged,” said Villafuerte.

In the House Resolution No. 1044 filed by Villafuerte on July 14, the unused frequencies of the network can an avenue for the country to disseminate information regarding COVID-19 to flatten the curve.

“The unused frequencies may also be used for information on COVID-19 prevention and control, risk reduction and preparedness,” he said in the resolution.

Currently, the Department of Education has recorded more than 20 million enrollees for the school year 2020-2021. Among these learners are those who reside in far-flung areas where internet connectivity is far from reality. This, according to Villafuerte, is where the network's frequencies will be of great use. Reaching out to the remote places where only televisions and radios are in place.