By Leilanie G. Adriano &
Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff Reporters
Laoag
City—More than 60,000 elementary pupils and
20,000 high school students woke up early on June 2 to attend the first day of
classes today in the new school year.
Speaking in behalf of Ilocos
Norte Schools Division Superintendent Araceli Pastor who just reported for work
on June 3 after a month-long holiday trip to the United States, assistant schools
division superintendent Joel Lopez said the June 2 opening of classes among
public schools was generally peaceful and orderly in Ilocos Norte.
“So far, we have not
encountered any problems,” Lopez said citing the annual conduct of Brigada Eskwela
which ensured the smooth and orderly resumption of classes today.
According to Mr. Lopez, at
least 170 new teachers were
hired this year to augment the teaching pool with the implementation of the
K-12 education curriculum. He said however that they have yet to determine the
increase of enrollment this year.
There were also at least five
integrated schools located in Vintar and Badoc which opened this June.
Just after the flag raising
ceremony, students and teachers such as at the Laoag Central Elementary School
immediately proceeded to their classrooms and started their class.
While maintaining an average
ratio of one teacher per 30 students (1:30), the Ilocos Norte education
department continue to produce highly competitive students, gaining numerous
awards both in national and international events.
In terms of manpower
development, Ilocos Norte boasts of its high literacy rate as compared to other
provinces in the country.
Meanwhile, members of the
Philippine National Police were also deployed in various schools of Ilocos
Norte to ensure the safety and security of students. They likewise helped in
maintaining a smooth flow of traffic in thickly-populated schools.
LC police in full alert for opening of classes
IN Laoag City,
officer-in-charge P/Supt. Jeffrey Gorospe said the police was in full alert for
the opening of classes as officers were deployed in all the elementary and high
school around the city.
Mr. Gorospe added that they
earlier met with barangay officials and tanods where schools are located to
ensure peace as well as the smooth flow of traffic.
He said the ongoing construction
of a bridge near a Catholic school along Gen. Segundo Ave. may increase traffic
volume in the area and that they have devised a re-routing scheme to lessen its
effects.
The Laoag police OIC also
revealed that they are now suffering from lack of personnel following the
recall of 10 officers lent as augmentation force by the police regional office.
But he expressed hopes that they would still maintain their functions.
Meanwhile, the city police is
also stepping up its monitoring of suspected pushers infiltrating schools this
school opening.
Mr. Gorospe said they have
learned of a modus wherein school-age individuals may pose as high school or
college students to enter schools to peddle illegal drugs.
He also said that the police
would also monitor fraternities inside and outside schools to prevent violent
clashes. He however admitted that there are also fraternities which are helpful
to the city. Among these are the fraternities they tap during various events in
the city.
Schools fumigated
MEANWHILE, city health
officer Dr. Renato Mateo said they have started fumigation of schools long
before the start of classes to prevent mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus
from breeding.
Aside from the fumigation
activities, Dr. Mateo added that his office will also distribute rice husks to
the different barangays in a bid to fight dengue.
The Laoag City Bureau of Fire
Protection has also re-inspected dormitories and boarding houses in the city in
preparation for the new school year.
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