DepEd vows new classrooms for senior high ready by May

CEBU, Philippines- The Department of Education-Cebu Province aims to complete in May next year the construction of at least 1,000 additional classrooms needed for the senior high school.

Arden Monisit, DepEd Cebu schools division superintendent, reported that the bidding process for the construction of the additional classrooms was already started. The implementation of the project will be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Monisit said DepEd, for its part, has completed the identification of school sites in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

“Kita nag-prepare lang ta sa school sites unya gi-submit na nato sa DPWH, sila nay mo-construct sa school buildings. Before the opening of classes ma-fully constructed na tanang mga classrooms,” he told reporters during his short meeting with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III last week.

Apart from the classrooms, hiring of senior high school teachers is also underway. Monisit said the province still needs around 500 teachers for the Grade 11 and 12.

“Ang teachers na-train na pud namo. Naa tay incumbent teachers who will teach sa senior high school,” he added.

DepEd has also rolled out career guidance program for incoming senior high school students to assist them on their career path in time for the National Early Re-gistration for Grade 10 completers by the end of October this year.

Monisit explained that the early registration would be made to determine the number of senior high school enrollees for next year both in public and private schools.

The four major tracks under the senior high school program are academic, technical-vocational livelihood, sports, and arts and design.

With these preparations, Monisit said they are already 75 percent ready for the full implementation of the K to 12 program next year.

“We are confident nga before the opening sa school 2016-2017, ready na ta,” he said.

The reform in the country’s educational system was implemented through Republic Act 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013) to provide “sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.” (FREEMAN)