Student population in Mandaue rises

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education in Mandaue City said the number of enrollees this year increased by eight percent compared to last year's.

Benjamin Tiongzon, the Division Administrative Officer said the present number could still rise high if DepEd Central Office issues an order to continue accepting enrollees up to the last day of June. Classes start June 6.

Tiongzon attributes the increase in the city's public schools to the implementation of the K+12 program, which compels five-year old children to be enrolled in the public schools, and to the number of transient workers now living in the city whose children have enrolled in the public schools here.

Tiongzon also said many transferees come from private schools.

However, Tiongzon said with the increase of enrollees in the city DepEd will hire additional teachers, and the city government's local school board will take care of their salaries.

To cope with the lack of classroom, DepEd has also constructed some makeshift classrooms to accommodate more students.

Tiongzon said two makeshift classrooms made of "amacan" have been built in barangay Cubacub.

While at Basak Elementary school, another 4 makeshift classrooms have been constructed inside the Basak gym.

Tiongzon said his department has received a budget from the national government for the construction of additional school buildings this year.

Among the schools that will have new classrooms are the Ibabao Estancia Elementary School, Tabok National High School, Labogon National High School, Canduman National High School and the Mandaue City Comprehensive High School.

He also said that just recently the city government through the efforts of Mayor Jonas Cortes has acquired a new lot where the Tingub National High School will be built, in response to the wishes of the residents.

He said six classrooms are now being built. (FREEMAN)