BY Noel Talacay
THE Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday warned the public against the unauthorized distribution and printing of learning materials online.
“We have received reports of chain emails circulating containing links to learning materials claiming to be from DepEd and DepEd Commons. Do not be hoodwinked by these emails purporting to be helping for a cause but are in fact misleading. Our parents, learners, and teachers need only visit commons.deped.gov.ph to access all of our learning materials for free” DepEd Undersecretary Alain Pascua said.
He added since the launch of DepEd Commons last March, many tried to take advantage of the medium by downloading its materials for printing and selling them online.
DepEd Commons is the online educational platform launched by the agency as one of the alternative learning modalities to be used by public school teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pascua said there are groups and individuals using DepEd’s name to distribute outdated and unaccredited learning materials intended for the blended leaning approach.
“The agency is bent on locating those responsible for these atrocious acts and vows to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, including the filing of cases for violations of intellectual property rights, copyright infringements, and other criminal and administrative actions.
“All DepEd authorized and quality-assured materials are free, and they will be uploaded once finalized at the DepEd Commons where access and downloading will also be free. Printed materials will also be provided by learning centers when necessary,” Pascua said.
He appealed to the public to report unauthorized promotion or distribution of learning materials by sending complaints via email to action@deped.gov.ph, or via hotline numbers 0919-456-0027 (Smart) and 0995-921-8461 (Globe).