Thursday, April 22, 2004
Cebu elementary schools see decline in enrollment
WITH the decrease in elementary students enrolled in public schools, the problem of congested classrooms and double class sessions has been reduced, if not totally eliminated, said a government official.
As of school year 2003-2004, the number of students enrolled in elementary public schools in Cebu City decreased from 96,260 students during SY 02-03 to only 94,249.
One of the possible reasons for the decrease, aside from economic reasons, was the lack of grade school students, mostly six-year-olds, who would qualify for enrollment.
This resulted in the enrollment decrease of Grade I students in Cebu City from 19,389 during SY 02-03 to 18,058 the following year, according to Dr. Leonilo Oliva, Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent.
With the decrease in enrollment, problems of double shifts in class sessions due to lack of classrooms was reduced.
The opening of four schools in northern areas like Babag, Sirao, Tabunan and Buot-taob was another factor in solving the congestion problem.
This June, more public schools in Budlaan, Pamutan, Sibukay and Taptap will also be opened.
High school
In the secondary level, there was an increase in enrollment of public school students both in Cebu City as well as in Cebu Province, meaning areas in the province outside Cebu City.
In Cebu City, the number of students enrolled reached 49,009 compared to the previous year with only 47,931 students. In Cebu Province, students enrolled increased to 126,490 from 121,147.
The increase could have resulted from the free secondary school program of the Division, as well as the employment requirement of agencies for high school graduates, according to Dr. Recardo Borgonia, Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent.
On the other hand, there was a decrease in enrollment in private schools.
In Cebu Province, there were 6,337 private elementary students enrolled compared to 8,436 students in the previous year, although in Cebu City this increased from 22,511 students to 23,323 last June.
In the secondary level, students in Cebu City decreased to 28,104 students from 37,114 students, while in Cebu province the number of students increased from 28,324 to 29,179.
The decrease is possibly due to the tuition hike in some private schools, leading students to transfer to public schools, Dr. Oliva said. Lady Nice Taneo/UP Mass Comm Intern
(April 22, 2004 issue)
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