Councilor pushes for free school supplies, uniforms

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu City councilor is lobbying for free annual school supplies and uniforms for all pre-school to grade 12 students of public elementary schools.

Councilor Raul Alcoseba penned the measure, which is currently being reviewed by the City Council’s committee on laws, ordinances, and styling, to lessen the financial burden of parents, especially those in the low-income group.

He said many parents cannot afford to send their children to public schools even if the tuition fee is free.

“It has been observed that in the City of Cebu, even in a public school where children are given free education, children do not go to school as their parents cannot afford to buy basic school supplies and uniforms for their needs,” he said.

“It is the objective of this ordinance to provide the necessary assistance to the school children in the public elementary schools with free uniform and school supplies,” he added.

Alcoseba said there are many young students who are reportedly forced to work to help their parents.

 “It is rightful that the government should give further assistance to these students since they represent the future generation. Education plays a vital role in building the character of each child,” he said.

Alcoseba said the city government should appropriate budget for the purchase of school supplies and uniforms every year.

The proposed title of the ordinance is GRATIS (Gather, Reciprocate and Acknowledge the Trusting Industrious Students) Ordinance.

Gratis is a Latin word for gratitude, which means being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness, Alcoseba said.

He designated the city’s Local School Board (LSB) in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division and the City Council as the measure’s implementing agencies.

The LSB is also tasked to formulate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within three months after the enactment of the ordinance. The IRR still needs the council’s approval.

According to the DepEd Cebu City Division, there are at least 110,000 students who are enrolled in 66 elementary public schools in the city as of June 2019. (FREEMAN)