DepEd upholds principals' discretion

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City schools district supervisor Rhea Mar Angtud upheld the authority of the principals in various public elementary and high schools to regulate the access of the parents to the school premises.

Some of the parents in Lahug Elementary School are complaining because the principal had instructed the school’s security guard to prevent them from going inside the school campus during class hours.

Although there was no formal policy issued to this effect, but Angtud said the principals have the prerogative to implement a schedule for the opening and closing of their school gates.

“Initiative na sa uban schools, especially those with cases nga naay mga nanghitabo like naay gikawatan. Some bad elements sa community mosulod man gud usahay ug anha mang-recruit og miembro sa schools. If gates are open all the time, it’s not just the parents ang makasulod,” she said.

According to Angtud, it was the Parents Teachers Associationsof the various schools that requested the principals to strictly implement security measures in their respective schools to ensure the safety of the school children.

“Gikasabotan naman kana during assembly nga dunay schedule ang pag-open ug close sa gate. Para man pod kana sa safety sa ilang mga bata.

Kun duna g’yud sila important business sa school then makigsabot sila sa principal concerned,” Angtud said.

But Angtud said those who are not in favor of regulating the entry of the parents in school premises may bring their concerns during the PTA meeting.

Angtud added “Although daku gyud unta kaayo nga tabang namo nga taga-school nga taken cared ang safety and security sa mga bata during class hours kay amo naman sila nga responsibility once they are inside the school.”

In Lahug Elementary School, the gate is only open to the parents at 11:30 a.m. up to 1 p.m. then 3:30 p.m. to allow the parents to fetch their children and bring them food.

A few years ago a student of Tejero Elementary School was killed by unidentified assailant inside the school toilet.

There were also persistent reports of fraternities recruiting members from the students.   (FREEMAN NEWS)