Remote learning under the pandemic has been difficult in some areas where students have little or no access to electronic devices and the internet. Self-learning modules are a solution, but their wide distribution has been hampered by steep production costs, including that of paper.

A Department of Education (DepEd) official said in a hearing that sharing modules on a rotation basis has been the alternative as the agency reportedly needs P35 billion to achieve a 1:1 module-to-student ratio.

Enter newly-established local paper brand Papel ni Juan, which has started an initiative to help provide modules to students by donating paper from sales made from its products. Papel ni Juan produces recycled, acid-free and eco-friendly bond paper in short, long and A4 sizes. Each ream costs P130 (short), P140 (A4) and P150 (long), prices cheaper than most commercial brands that sell A4 paper for P200-300.

For every 100 reams sold, Papel ni Juan said it will donate five reams to selected partners. This includes local government offices and units like the Office of the Vice President (500 reams), the Office of Valenzuela (200 reams), as well as organizations like A-HA Learning Center (200 reams), and Save the Children (300 reams).

“[Papel ni Juan] wants to make paper accessible to everyone—starting with students who are in dire need of their own self-learning modules,” the company said in a press release.

Those interested to help out the students and purchase eco-friendly paper from Papel ni Juan may contact them through Facebook and Instagram. Inquiries may also be sent to [email protected] or its hotline at 8293-1396 and 8293-1397.

Photos from Papel ni Juan

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