FIRST DAY. Students flock to Cabangan Elementary School for the first day of classes on Monday, June 3, 2019. DepEd Bicol says the school opening in the region is “smooth and peaceful”. (Photo by Connie Calipay)
LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol on Monday said the school opening in the Bicol region was “smooth and peaceful” despite the lack of classrooms amid the high number of enrollees.
DepEd Bicol Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad said he monitored the presence of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, barangay tanods and others who secured roads leading to and from the schools, as the region welcomed some 1.83 million learners.
“We can say that DepEd is ready for the opening of classes,” he said in a press conference.
However, Sadsad said he expected some hitches due to the high number of enrollees like lack of classrooms.
He noted the enrollment in public and private schools for this school year increased by 2.28 percent from 1.7 million recorded last year.
Sadsad further said there are only 58,372 classrooms being used.
“We are expecting 2,535 classrooms to be completed for this year by our partner agency (Department of Public Works and Highways). From the updated report of DPWH, as of May 2019, they were able to complete the construction of 558 classrooms, while the remaining 1,745 buildings are expected to be completed this year,” he added.
Meanwhile Edwin Bermal, DPWH Bicol assistant chief of maintenance division, said they were committed to finish the classrooms this year.
“We assure the public that the 2,535 classrooms will be completed this year. We’ve just encountered some delay because of revision of plans, sometimes lack of materials, and even change in location of the classrooms but rest assured it will be completed.” he said in an interview. (PNA)
