Due to lack of classrooms: DepEd-7 considers 3-day school week

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education  – 7 is considering the possibility of implementing a three-day school week in areas badly affected by super typhoon Yolanda, as well as in schools that are highly congested.

The scheme, DepEd -7 Director Carmelita Dulangon said, would address the problem of lack of classrooms in the region.

“If there’s a need nga three days anang particular nga skwelahan, basta lang ma-cover ang budget of work sa atong curriculum. Meaning to say, we will be using the alternative modes of teaching,” Dulagon said.

She emphasized that implementation, if ever, would be selective and schools still have the option to share rooms to several classes.

“Ang una nilang buhaton, pag-organize nila, check first ang how many classes nga wala’y kasudlan nga room. So, ang first option is sharing sa room,” she said.

“Kon dako nga room, butangan nila og divider. Pero kon maigo ra gyod og one class, ang usa ka class sa morning, ang usa sa hapon,” she added.

“In some schools, we will adapt the scheme nga three-day kon kinahanglan gyod. Sa Lunes mahibaw-an mana kay ma-organize naman ang mga bata,” she said.

She assured that the quality of education will not be compromised if the scheme would indeed be implemented.

“Nisamot ang problema sa kulang nga classroom tungod sa bagyo. Karon gani, nagpaabot mi nga maabot ang tarpaulins nga ipadala sa Bantayan kay katong gipadala nato sa Bantayan katong Enero ug Pebrero, pag-Marso nag-anam naman to og kagisi,” she said.

She reminded parents to have their children enrolled before June 2 because some schools no longer accept enrollees once classes start.

“Parents should realize also nga dili ta mag langay-langay kay atong students na nuon, wala na’y lingkuranan. Maka-distract sa attention sa teachers nga side kung naa pay magpa-enrol kay dapat mag-discuss naman unta sila ana,” she said.

She also reminded schools that collection of any fee during enrolment is prohibited.

SECURITY

In Cebu City, the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) assured it will help police agencies secure students as classes resume on Monday.

Executive Director Atty. Rafael Yap said CITOM will make sure, among other things, that there will be sufficient and visible road signs, as well as marking on pavements, especially those near schools.

“Kung naa’y kuwang, we will ask DPWH (Department of Public Works and Higways) for the putting up of markings,” he said.

Yap said all 300 traffic enforcers will be deployed on Monday, particularly during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. when students go to school and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they return home.

“Ang scheduling sa atong enforcers is being adjusted. Ang among deployment nilahi man atong vacation season. Karon, lahi na sad kay ting-eskwela na man,” Yap said.

Ongoing road projects in M. Velez St. and Sergio Osmeña Boulevard are expected to cause traffic congestion but Yap said CITOM will do its best to manage the situations./JMO (FREEMAN)