PB members eye public hearings on Sept. classes

A public consultation was recommended by two members of the Provincial Board to determine the sentiments of the public on the proposal to move the start of formal classes in September.

Provincial Board members Juan Bolo and Carmiano Kintanar said the Department of Education should conduct a public hearing on the proposed change in the schedule of the opening of classes in order to determine the pulse of the public.

The two also urged the Parents Teachers Community Association to actively participate during the consultation.

This was after Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senate President Pro-tempore Juan Flavier called on the DepEd to conduct a study on the matter.

Both Drilon and Flavier said that there is a need to determine the positive and negative aspects of the opening of classes in September instead of June.

Drilon said it would be better for formal classes to open in September, as this will spare the children from problems that usually arise at the onset of the rainy season.

The proposal is patterned after that of a system in the United States wherein classes start in September and end in June or August. - Jose P. Sollano