Talisay Schools Div. head asked to delay retirement

The Talisay City council wants Talisay City Schools Division superintendent Elsa Suralta, who is set to retire from active service this December 10, to extend her services up to June 9, 2006.

Councilor Ritchel Bacaltos, chairman of the committee on education, said that it is necessary for the official to finish the school year in order to ensure and maintain achievement especially on academic performance.

Under the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 40 states "the Commission however may, in meritorious cases, extend the services of one who has reached compulsory retirement age of 65 years for a period of six months."

Since the Talisay City Division has been operating as an interim division, Bacaltos said there are some official functions that have to be put in place and accomplished according to the development plan as set.

"There is a shortage of Career Executive Service Officers in the DepEd in Region VII while upon retirement, nobody is qualified among the school officials in the Division of Talisay City to continue the systematic operation of the Division Office," Bacaltos said.

Bacaltos pointed out that Suralta plays an important role in the recent signing of Memorandum of Agreement with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization. This is to promote cooperation among the Southeast Asian nations through education, science and culture in order to further respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"Six months would be more than appropriate for programs and projects in DepEd Talisay City to functionally operate with the machinery which needs just a little time to normalize as full-fledged division," he said, adding that the division office currently working to earn its accreditation from the Civil Service Commission. - Garry B. Lao