DECS won't postpone

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) said yesterday there would be no postponement of the opening of classes in Mindanao on June 5 despite ongoing hostilities in certain parts of the island.

Education Secretary Andrew Gonzalez, however, said they are closely monitoring developments in Mindanao. "We are coordinating with local governments (there). We live by the day," he said.

Gonzalez said the DECS will grant any request by non-Muslim teachers in the strife-torn areas for a change of assignment.

"If they feel their safety is threatened, we can pull them out and transfer them to less risky areas. We do not want to place (their lives) in danger," he said.

Education Undersecretary Victor Andres Manhit said Muslim teachers would take over the classes left behind by their Christian counterparts. "These teachers are also licensed and qualified to teach," he said.

Gonzalez said the DECS has asked the Philippine National Association of School Security Organizations to be on guard against any untoward incidents in Mindanao schools.

Meanwhile, he has directed officials of schools being used as evacuation centers to maximize the use of available classrooms by holding morning and afternoon classes.

Some 18 million students of public elementary and high schools will start classes on June 5.