Smooth opening of classes in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The opening of classes in Cebu on June 2 went smoothly, according to a Department of Education official.

“Generally, ang atong opening of classes is very smooth, peaceful and successful,” said Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Arden Monisit.

He thanked the Cebu provincial government, local police, and barangay tanods for their efforts in the school opening.

Monisit said this despite the “perennial problems” of lack of teachers and classrooms.  To compensate, he said, there are more classrooms to be built.

“We have received from the central office of DepEd, 121 more classrooms with budget of 190 M,” said Monisit.

He added that the contract is already awarded and construction is expected to be complete by August.

This is along with the P500,000 that the Provincial School Board will give to every municipality for minor repairs.

The 121 classrooms are just the first phase of completing the needed 1,131 more classrooms.

Monisit said that 1,135 nationally-funded teachers are to report in schools early next week.

He added that with no locally-funded teachers, the funds of the local school board will be concentrated on repair of classrooms. —/ATO (FREEMAN)