CEBU, Philippines – Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said over 100 classrooms have been built under his administration, a feat he highlighted when he delivered his report on the state of the children in his city.
"In the past eight years, this administration has made education a priority as a way to guide and equip our youth with knowledge and skills to face the world," Cortes told a crowd of city officials, teachers and other guests at the city's session hall.
His report centered on the theme "Komunidad at Pamahalaan, Magkaisa; Pang-aabuso sa Bata, Wakasan." It was part of the city's culmination of the Children's Month last week.
Cortes said that since 2007, they were able to build over a hundred classrooms and purchased 15,330 square meters of property which will house new school buildings.
"These new properties have allowed us to open campuses, making access to education more convenient to students," he said.
Each year, he said, the city has also increased its Special Education Fund as part of achieving its goals on promoting accessible education.
He said from this fund, they are able to purchase lots for schools, build classrooms and buy equipment.
He added that this has also allowed education to be attainable even by those in the marginalized sector.
Last month, the city government turned over 2,500 units of scientific calculators, 150 desktop computers and three heavy-duty copiers to the Department of Education-Mandaue City Division out of the city's SEF.
Quoting Frederick Douglas, a social reformer, Cortes said: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. I believe that sound foundation for children is vital to have strong and productive adults."
Aside from providing the necessary infrastructure, Cortes said it is also important to have "capable teachers."
"This is why education, both formal and informal, is vital for their protection. We need to have capable teachers, especially in the formative years of children, who are able to understand them and their needs," he said.
Hence, he said, the city trained 43 day care workers in early childhood care and development "in the hope that...they will set the foundation for children who are eager to learn."
For this year, at least 3,406 kids are enrolled in the city's day care program, said Cortes.
He said the Alay Lakad Inc., a non-government organization, is also currently supporting 98 scholars, mostly out-of-school youth. The number is up from 75 last year. (FREEMAN)