THE DEPARTMENT of Education-Davao City and the local government of Davao bared plans to establish more classrooms in city schools to address the classroom shortage.
Reynante Solitario, DepEd-Davao City schools division superintendent, revealed there are ongoing talks with the city government for the plans.
“This is part of the discussion in the Local School Board, kami ni Mayor Baste amo syang ginahisgutan paunsa maresolba nga problema,” Solitario said on Thursday in an interview with city-run disaster radio.
Initial plans were discussed during the ‘Parangal sa mga Atleta,” where Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the recognition of outstanding student athletes of the city.
“Not enough and atong Special Education Funds nga mo-provide sa atong classroom needs sa Davao City Division,” Solitario added.
To note, during the inaugural speech of Duterte, he emphasized investing in the education of children, especially addressing the classroom shortage.
Solitario said that at present, there are 4,053 shortages in all city schools, considering the ratio of 1 classroom to 30 pupils in the elementary level.
“We are hopeful that na ma realize na ang programa ni mayor just here waiting for that, and we assure our schools can provide documents needed for the establishment of new classrooms,” he stressed.
As of July 3, enrollment in the division has not yet achieved 100% compared to the previous enrollment school year figures, noting a 91% rate for public and private schools.
Solitario attributed this to the students transferring to other divisions or regions, as transferees are allowed to enroll pending their documents, which need to be requested from their previous school.
He, however, emphasized that late enrollees are still accepted despite the school year already starting three weeks ago on June 16.
Davao City schools are implementing shifting of classes to accommodate the students, but in terms of teachers, Solitario said the division received 300 items who are already deployed in various schools in the city that need augmentation.
