INTERIOR Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has ordered governors, mayors and barangay chiefs to inspect the schools in their areas and monitor the prices of school supplies ahead of the opening of classes next week.
In a directive issued last week, Robredo also urged local officials to ensure the smooth opening of classes.
Robredo issued the directive in support of “Oplan Balik Eskwela” 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 boards, 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,” Robredo said.
The secretary also urged the local executives to ensure adequate lighting in places where night classes are held.
“It would also be better if street lights were installed in areas where schools hold night classes to prevent lawless elements from preying on our night students,” he said.
Robredo also asked the officials to lead local information drives to encourage parents to enrol their children in school this year.
“Education is our best legacy to the young,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino has urged the government to look into “hidden and questionable” charges in the miscellaneous fees charged by schools.
Palatino spoke before a summit on education in Iloilo City on Friday.