Parent complains: Outsiders threatening security of students

CEBU, Philippines - The mother of a student of a public night high school in Cebu City expressed worry for her daughter and other students’ security with outsiders allegedly frequenting the school at night.

“Kuyawan ko sir oy, bisan kinsa man lang gud ang mosulod. Wa ‘ta kahibawo kung unsa’y mahitabo,” said the mother, who requested anonymity.

Last June, she said, the principal asked the parents if he could rent the school covered court and the proceeds would be used for the students.

In September, when the parents were called for a meeting, the principal allegedly did not mention, though, the total collection from the rentals.

But what allegedly disgusted her was last Monday’s incident when the school celebrated the World Teacher’s Day, but the program was cut short as the “outsiders” had booked for the covered court.

“Way batasan. Katunga pa gani sa program nahibulong na man lang mi nga gipaundang ang program, niingon na man dayon nga good night,” she said.

They were allegedly puzzled why the program was suddenly ended, so she and other parents decided to confront the principal, but the latter was not around that time.

She said her daughter was part of the program and have prepared for her piece, so she left early from the office.

“Igo ra g’yud nakapaso kausa, naundang dayon kay naa pa lagi kunoy miabang sa gym unya moduwa na. Nag-andam baya sad sila,” she further lamented.

If she allegedly felt down for what happened, how much more for the teachers who were supposed to be the center of the celebration.

“Insulto kaayo to para nila,” she said, adding that events like the celebration of teachers’ day should be prioritized at the covered court because it is a school activity.

She said the principal should stop renting out the covered court.

Meanwhile, Danilo Gudelosao, Department of Education Assistant City Schools Division Superintendent, said they cannot act on the matter unless a complaint is filed.

He advised instead the concerned parents, students and teachers to formalize the complaint either before DepEd office or the school’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA).

“…so that we can properly act on their concerns. They can also channel their concerns to the school PTA. Kay kun naay mo-file sa DepEd amo man nang aksyonan,” Gudelosao said in a text message.

He clarified though that the management of school facilities is the main responsibility of the school head or principal.

The DepEd official tried to contact the school principal but the latter was on leave.

He added that he talked to one of the teachers of the school but the teacher was not privy to the issue at hand.  (FREEMAN)