Wednesday, May 30, 2007 All ready in Lapu for class opening
EDUCATION officials, local police and barangay officials in Lapu-Lapu City are confident they are ready to meet 65,000 students when school opens next week.
City Schools Superintendent Leonilo Oliva said that teachers will be reporting on June 1 and urged parents to start enrolling their children now and not wait for the opening day on June 4.
Police Chief Noel Gillamac, for his part, said pupils can expect a policeman or anti-crime volunteer in every school.
Pajo Barangay Captain Leo Mercado, who is reportedly being groomed to be the next president of the Association of Barangay Councils, said that barangay captains already started their Saturday school clean-up drive last May 26 and will resume on June 2.
“Brigada Eskwela” is also doing its part, said Oliva, who does not expect any serious problems to crop up on opening day, there being enough classrooms, desks and chairs.
The superintendent expects a two percent increase in the number of pupils this year, and if it goes beyond that figure, the division will need more teachers.
What worries Oliva, however, is that enrolment remained low as of press time, which means the bulk of enrollees might crowd the schools on Monday.
“Please enroll now while there’s still time and the teachers are not that busy yet,” Oliva urged all parents.
Enough books
They have enough textbooks for major subjects like English, Filipino and science, said Oliva, but may be unable to meet the ideal 1:1 ratio in technical and livelihood subjects.
As for Gillamac, he said the police force already coordinated with the City Health Office to prevent vendors from school gates and sidewalks, where they may cause health and traffic problems.
His police-community relations officers are working with school principals to address security and safety needs.
Gillamac said he will also tap students undergoing military reservists’ training as their possible contacts in every school. He plans to deputize these students to maintain close contact with lawmen if the need arises. (OCP)
