BY GLENDA TAYONA and RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – Classes in public elementary and high schools resumed smoothly yesterday, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas.
“I am happy. Waay gid problema nga na-encounter. Tama ka tawhay, smooth sailing,” said Dr. Victor de Gracia, assistant director.
DepEd’s various Division of Schools across the region reported no hitches, he said, except for some late enrollees that were also accommodated.
Gracia attributed this to preparations made by each school prior the resumption of classes such as the conduct of Brigada Eskwela – the annual cleanup and repair of schools – and setting up of information desks that entertained concerns from mostly parents.
He also said schools could continue accepting late enrollees for up to a month.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has not recorded untoward incidents yesterday related to the reopening of schools.
“It was generally peaceful. We continue to hope no petty crimes will happen,” said Police Brigadier General John Bulalacao, regional police director.
Iloilo City Police Office (IPPO) director Police Colonel Martin Defensor agreed with Bulalacao.
Policemen have been posted in various schools here.
“But we encourage all students, teachers and parents to remain proactive by observing our safety tips whether they are in school or traveling back home,” said Defensor.
The ICPO is wary of lawless elements victimizing unsuspecting students.
Students should be mindful of their belongings and valuables, said Defensor.
Village watchmen, barangay officials and volunteers are helping the city police maintain peace and order.
The maximum visibility of security forces aims to discourage criminals from striking such as snatchers, pickpockets and swindlers, said Defensor.
Over two million learners from kindergarten to senior high school in Western Visayas returned to public schools yesterday, the start of school year 2019-2020.
Of the 2,058,138 public school learners, 170,248 were in kindergarten, 990,463 in elementary, 5,001 non-graded, 659,757 in junior high school, and 232,669 in senior high school./PN
