LGUs ordered to ensure schools are ready, secured for school opening

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has ordered governors, mayors and barangay (village) chiefs to inspect schools in their areas to ensure the smooth opening of classes next month.

In a directive issued Thursday, Robredo also urged the chief executives of local government units to monitor the prices of school supplies and take “all the necessary steps to address unnecessary increases in prices.”

He said they should also mobilize personnel to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order and public safety.

Robredo issued the directive in support of the “Oplan Balik Eskwela” project spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd) with the support of other government agencies.

More than 20 million students are expected to return to 38,351 public elementary schools and 7,274 public secondary schools nationwide.

“As chairpersons of their local school board, local chief executives should work hand in hand with the local DepEd and other members of the OBE Inter-Agency Task Force to make the necessary preparations for a smooth, orderly and peaceful first day of classes for our students a few days from now,” he said.

The DILG secretary also urged the local executives to ensure adequate lighting in places where night classes would be held.

“It would be better if street lights are installed in areas where schools hold night classes to prevent lawless elements from preying on our night students,” he said.

Robredo also asked the executives to lead a local government-wide information drive encouraging parents to enrol their children this academic year.

“Education is our best legacy to the young; hence, more than anything else, we should actively campaign for the enrolment of all school-age children this academic school year,” he said.