At Mandaue central school 19 classrooms unsafe; DepEd introduces two shifts for Gr. 1, 2

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Engineer's Office and the Department of Education Central Office have declared 19 classrooms of the Mandaue City Central School unfit for occupancy due to the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that rocked Bohol, Cebu, and neighboring islands last October 15.

With regard to the damaged classrooms of the school, the DepEd has introduced two shifts for grades 1 and II.

Pupils will be divided into morning and afternoon classes, while the rest of the grade levels will hold classes as usual, principal Aliena Quimque said.

Morning classes start at 7 a.m. until 12 noon while the afternoon classes start at 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..

Pupils were briefed on what to do during earthquakes as classes resumed yesterday.

Quimque said Saturday classes or extending class hours to make up for the missed days are being considered.

"It will depend on the decision of the higher offices," Quimque said.

She said she favors extending the hours rather than holding Saturday classes.

Make up classes held on Saturdays will mean added expenses for parents, students, and teachers.  (FREEMAN)