Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Ifugao joins call for less extra school activities
THE Benguet Provincial Board's (PB) move to reduce the conduct of extracurricular activities got the support of other legislative bodies.
The Ifugao PB joined Benguet's call for the Department of Education (DepEd) to minimize the conduct of extracurricular activities that disrupt the holding of classes.
"It is observed that there are numerous school activities like (sports) district and regional meets, press conferences, scouting, quiz bee, musical competitions, to include seminars, meetings and conferences for teachers, causing them to suspend classes," an Ifugao PB resolution said.
The Benguet PB earlier asked Education Secretary Jesli Lapus to limit the conduct of extracurricular activities by synchronizing events that lead to the suspension of classes.
There is a need to limit and synchronize school activities that cause suspension of classes so that students could focus more on their studies, said the Benguet PB.
The frequent suspension of classes due to extracurricular activities is claimed as one of the factors that contribute to the dwindling quality of education. It was likewise claimed that the DepEd has not budget for the conduct of extracurricular activities.
These, the Ifugao PB said, also forced teachers to solicit funds from public officials and private institutions, which they said is "a seemingly demoralizing deed for educators."
"Inter-school activities, conferences, quiz bees and musical competitions would enhance the sports, academic, musical and other potentials of students and also help build camaraderie among participants but these also cause adverse effects in the academic performance of the students due to absences, shortening and suspension of classes in order to accommodate these activities required by the DepEd," added the Ifugao PB. (JC)
