ZAMBONAGA City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has clarified that all proposals and requests for the opening of new high schools in certain villages must first and foremost need a feasibility study although she pointed out that education is one of her administration’s top priority.

Salazar made the clarification Wednesday, the third day budget forum for the villages, which was attended by village officials from the east coast and islands.

Salazar clarification was in response to the requests made by the villages chiefs of Manalipa and Tictabon, both island villages located east of this city.

Both village officials said that presently they have close to 1,000 graduating elementary pupils, who will be going to high school next year, and they would have to travel by motorized banca to the mainland for their secondary education.

Salazar said a feasibility study has to be conducted before any secondary school can be established in a particular village.

She added that an endorsement has to be made to the Department of Education through the City Schools Division Office and the Local School Board once it is found to be viable.

She also cited the possibility of bringing alternative learning system to the island villages instead of opening up new high schools. (Bong Garcia)