As fuel costs soar, alternative learning teachers lose touch with students

Mobile teachers of the Alternative Learning System in San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur travel to distant communities, which include crossing rivers, to teach out-of-school youth and adult learners.

Photo courtesy of Rosa Olimboyong

MANILA, Philippines — When Sheila Oñedo-Villena read the news of another oil price hike in June, she sent an apology to the group of 43 adult students who have been waiting months for her to start their first lesson. 

These 43 members of the Iraya-Mangyan community, who live high up a mountain in a sitio in Oriental Mindoro, personally requested Oñedo-Villena and a co-teacher to teach them to read and write.

But after fuel prices went up — and habal-habals, private motorcycles that are the only available mode of transportation in Sitio Adong, began to charge P300 roundabouts — Oñedo-Villena and her co-teacher had to postpone teaching the group and prioritize students closer to home. 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/04/2192986/fuel-costs-soar-alternative-learning-teachers-lose-touch-students