CEBU, Philippines - An increase in enrolment in public elementary and high schools in Lapu-Lapu City, attributed to the influx of migrant workers, has been noted.
Eduardo Ompad, officer-in-charge of the Schools Division Superintendent, said that while the Department of Education is still consolidating its records, barangays Pusok and Basak, where two public schools are located, have shown an increase in the number of enrollees.
The Mactan Export Zone (MEZ) I and the Mactan Export Zone (MEZ) II are located in the two barangays.
“Pipila sa mga trabahante nga taga-laing dapit namuyo sa Lapu-Lapu tungod kay ang ilang pagpanrabaho anaa man duol sa nahimutang sa siyudad,” Ompad said.
The addition of transferees from private schools has added to the overflowing population in the public schools, Ompad said.
But Ompad said there will be a definite number of students public schools will allow to accommodate.
“Ang ideal ratio nato sa teachers and pupils anaa sa 1:45 or up to 1:60 makaya pa na,” Ompad said.
The classroom becomes not conducive to learning when overcrowded, the atmosphere becomes hot, and the pupils become uneasy.
More so if the teacher has a small voice, the pupils could hardly grasp the lessons, he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government
has called on all local chief executives nationwide to deploy barangay tanods to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring the safety of students who are expected to go back to school on June 15.
In a directive to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, the agency urged them to extend full support and assistance to the OBE campaign by undertaking proactive measures, such as the mobilization of barangay tanod brigades in all schools within their respective areas to help the local police in securing the students.
The DILG also called on local governments to undertake other measures such as providing street lights in areas where there are schools holding night classes, and checking if all schools, specifically public schools, have clean toilets with adequate supply of clean water. (FREEMAN NEWS)