Wanting internship to start, TCC studes air gripe vs education official

CEBU, Philippines - At least 200 students of Talisay City College, along with their parents, attended a silent prayer rally in front of the Talisay City Hall yesterday morning to express their grievances against Talisay City Schools Division Superintendent Woodrow Denuyo.

Armed with placards and rosaries, the protesters, who were mostly fourth year students, gathered for an hour at the Talisay City Hall grounds.

According to one of the fourth year college students, Ric Rian Bautista, they are asking Denuyo's approval for them to be assigned in respective schools in the city so that they could start their internship for teaching.

The internship or practice teaching is a pre-requisite for graduating students taking up Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education.

Reportedly, the internship should have started in month of June.

But Bautista said until now they are still waiting for Denuyo's approval so that the principals of the schools would accommodate them.

Denuyo, however, explained that he cannot give his approval to the students because Ester Velasquez, who was appointed as the officer-in-charge of TCC, have not yet reported for office since July 1.

But Bautista insisted that even without Velasquez, Denuyo should respect the signature of Mayor Johnny de los Reyes, who is the chairman of the Board of the TCC.

Nancy Jadulco, professor of education, said they already informed all the principals to convene and resolve the problem together with De los Reyes.

It was reported that the rally was disrupted after a student named Christine Zapanta of Barangay Lawaan II fainted and collapsed.

Elena Halipa, mother of a TCC student, said they joined the rally because the mission of the rally was not just for their sons and daughters but also for them. She said they could also feel the hassle and worries of their children.

The students and parents brought placards saying "Denuyo wake up;" "BOT help us, have mercy on us;" "BOT stop politicizing us" and "Denuyo stop using the BOT."

In a separate interview with the reporters, De los Reyes said he already signed the approval for the student's internship despite the absence of Dr. Velasquez.

De los Reyes said he asked for an advice from Dr. Freddie Bernal, regional director of Commission on Higher Education, before acting on the problem of the students.

Bernal, according to the mayor, already gave him the go signal. (FREEMAN)