EXPECT a mad rush and traffic congestion outside public elementary and high schools today, Monday, as classes officially start.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) assured that measures are now in place to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, Deped Davao Region spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said schools are prepared to welcome students for the school year 2014-2015.
DCPO chief Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. said a police assistance desk will be set up in each public school in the city to maintain peace and order.
"We will be deploying at least two police officers in every school and we will also establish a police assistance desk. We are also on heightened alert," Danao said.
He said some 1,000 police personnel are deployed in various public schools all over the city to intensify security measures.
The deployment of 1,000 police is in line with the directive of the Philippine National Police to reactivate the Oplan Balik Eskwela.
Danao said the influx of students and parents is a common sight during the first day of classes.
He said the DCPO will assure that no untoward incident will happen during the school opening.
He also said they are also ready to respond to any emergency calls. Aside from safeguarding public schools, he said all entry/exit points in the city, malls, and other crowded areas will also be secured.
Today, June 2, marks the opening of classes throughout the country for school year 2014-2015 in public elementary and secondary school, according to Deped.
Meanwhile, Traffic Management Center OIC Superintendent Rhodelio Poliquit also advised motorists to take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic in major roads.
Davao City has a total of 286 public elementary and 70 public secondary schools. The third district has the most number of schools with 149 elementary and 39 secondary schools.
It is followed by the second district with 84 elementary and 20 secondary. The first district has the lowest number of public schools with 53 elementary and 11 secondary schools.