More LGUs eye student busing system

MANILA, Philippines - More local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have expressed interest in implementing the busing system to help decongest populated public schools, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) said yesterday.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo said the agency is still open to the idea of a three-day school week in some congested schools in the metropolis to address overcrowding.

DepEd-National Capital Region director Luz Almeda said the busing scheme will be implemented this year in Caloocan and in Quezon City by 2015.

Even libraries, principal’s office and science laboratories were converted into classrooms in Quezon City and Caloocan during the start of classes on Monday.

Under the busing scheme, students from overcrowded public schools will be absorbed by other schools that can accommodate more students.

In Valenzuela City, 140 students of the Malinta Elementary School – Pinalagad Annex are transported daily to the Caruhatan West Elementary School in LGU-donated vans, Mateo said.