|
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Problems mar opening of classes
By Kathy Villalon Cinco
SOME problems marred the opening of the school year Monday. The shortage of classroom topped the schools' concerns. Second are the surge of late enrollees and the overcrowded schools.
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Erlinda Gencaya, in a radio broadcast yesterday, said that most of the problems encountered were in Iloilo City.
As for the province, Dr. Erlinda Pahunao, officer-in-charge of the provincial DepEd, said that there were not much problems but still, she ordered supervisors to monitor the schools.
Selected schools
In City High Molo, Principal Helen Deguma revealed that they lack classrooms.
The school has 106 sections and there were only 86 classrooms. Also, there are 85 students to a teacher.
She revealed that students from the private schools have transferred to their schools. So far, there have been 1,600 enrollees for the first year level; 1,400 for the second year and 28 sections; 900 for the third year with 26 sections; and 900 for the fourth year with 22 sections.
The school stopped accepting enrollees for the first and second year levels.
In Molo I Elementary School, the officials requested for fogging, as there were many mosquitoes.
Barangay Sto. Nino Sur Elementary School in Arevalo was clean. Before the classes started, members of the Brigada Eskwela did some cleaning and paint jobs.
Ramon Avancena High School's first year level added another section to its existing seven. There are 70 to 75 students per class.
In the La Paz I Elementary School, its classroom for Grade 1 is exposed to flooding when it rains.
La Paz II Elementary School is in need of two more teachers. Meanwhile, the DepEd has provided one temporary teacher.
La Paz National High School reported an increase in enrollees.
Mandurriao National High School has not started with their regular classes yet as students spent time looking for their sections.
As early as 9 a.m., students were crowding at the stage to search for their sections.
Enroll
Gencaya advised the principals and teachers to entertain old students even if they have not yet enrolled.
She said there is nothing to worry about them because they already have records with the school. In addition, the DepEd ordered that students won't be required to pay fees before enrollment.
However, she discouraged students from enrolling in big schools like the Iloilo National High School and the Iloilo City High School to avoid over-enrollment.
She also discouraged the students from cleaning the schools because the time for this has lapsed.
Earlier, the DepEd's Brigada Eskwela prepared the school surroundings as early as May.
Takes time
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Monday that it would take more time before government can solve the perennial troubles that plague the country's educational system.
Arroyo, in a statement, said all concerned agencies have teamed up to ensure that students are safe and secure during Monday's opening of classes for elementary and high schools.
She said government is on track in its programs to improve the educational system but "stable families and excellent teachers must combine with good schools, books and modern facilities to mold the Filipino youth into a strong player in the new millennium."
"It will indeed take time before we could fix the perennial problems on our education system but we will get there through the cooperation of all our institutions," she said.(With Sunnex)
(June 6, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
