LAOAG CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday welcomed over 85,000 learners in public schools in Ilocos Norte as class opening went smoothly.
Except for some minor repair of school facilities and overcrowding in some urban areas, the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte led by the newly-installed Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda reported the June 4 opening of classes is generally smooth and peaceful.
As early as 7 a.m., teachers and students trooped to the different public schools in the 22 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte; while personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and village officials helped managed traffic in front of schools.
To promote awareness among stakeholders that the child is the center of the educational system, Eda issued a memorandum directing personnel at the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte to wear any student uniform during the opening of school until Tuesday to make the first two days of classes more meaningful and significant.
In Pinili town, Aileen Rambaud, School Principal of the Badio Elementary School, said they welcomed 745 learners with ballpens and pencils, while their parents helped in the establishment of a vegetable garden in the school compound.
“After a simple opening program with some dance presentations to lighten the mood, we started classes immediately,” Rambaud said as the school is expecting two more learners, with zero drop-out.
At the Caestebanan Elementary School in Banna town, School Supervisor Ryan Dulig said their pupils were treated with snacks to promote good vibes before they were guided to their respective classrooms.
Eda said almost all public schools in the province have maintained a manageable classroom-student and teacher-pupil ratio over the years.
As of 2017, the classroom-pupil and teacher-pupil ratio was 1:36 and 1:43.
The teacher-pupil ratio was 1:32 in elementary schools and 1:26 in high schools. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
