DepEd orders probe on Talamban school incident

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education has ordered an investigation into the incident that happened inside the campus of Talamban Elementary School that resulted to the injury of a Grade 5 pupil of the school.

Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Schools Division said the safety of the student should be the most important thing that should be monitored by the teachers.

Aside from an investigation, Jimenez has also instructed the principal of the school and other schools in the city, including supervisors to check things inside the school that may be hazardous to the students.

School security guards are likewise reminded to always monitor the activities of the students while they are inside the school premises. “Visibility of guards is needed especially to the remote areas in the school.”

Jimenez immediately gave instructions to Wilfredo Taño, the administrative officer of Cebu City Schools Division and a supervisor to investigate incident in Talamban Elementary School after a 12-year-old pupil fell from the third floor of the school building.

But Jimenez said everything has already been settled after the school shouldered all the medical expense of the victim.

Meanwhile, Jimenez said school personnel should always be on lookout for the safety of the school children, including safeguarding them against diseases. With this, he told the school faculty to strengthen their anti-dengue campaign, especially in checking the stagnant water inside the school premises.

He said schools should also enhance their campaign on hand washing to prevent the spread of communicable diseases like A H1N1 flu virus. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)