Night classes for school dropouts proposed

MANILA, Philippines -  The government, through the Department of Education (DepEd), can introduce night classes for elementary pupils and high school students who have since dropped out – if only to keep them in school and provide them with at least “complete basic education.”  

House Bill (HB) 1825 authored by Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas cited DepEd records where statistics showed the “rising dropout rate” among high school students, which he believes can be solved by opening night schools nationwide.

“While the government has implemented numerous programs to make education more accessible to the youth, more programs need to be done to ensure that Filipino students are able to complete their basic education,” he said. 

Records indicated there are still 4.8 million out-of-school youth, an 11-percent increase in the last five years.

Most of the reasons behind the gradual rise in the dropout rate in the secondary level are economic in nature. 

HB 1825 aims to institutionalize the opening of night shift classes using existing high school and elementary school facilities all over the country.

Vargas said high school dropouts often cite the high cost of education or dire need for employment to financially support their families.

 Under the proposed law, the government should establish at least one night high school in every congressional district in the country using existing high school and elementary school facilities. 

Having evening classes offers a viable option for Filipino high school students to continue their studies while fulfilling their other obligations, or helping their families earn a living during daytime. 

“Through this, we are ensuring that our students are given opportunities to pursue their studies while fulfilling their other responsibilities,”  Vargas added.

The night high school shall offer general secondary education proper based on a DepEd- approved curriculum. The measure provides that night schools should be opened to qualified students.