DepEd: 2-shift system stays in public schools this year

MANILA, Philippines - Admitting there are still not enough classrooms, an education official said Friday public school students will still have to cope with a two-shift schedule this coming school year. Education Undersecretary Vilma Labrador said the situation may be worse in "emergency cases," likely including schools recently hit by tropical storm "Cosme." "There may be cases where schools are damaged or do not have enough facilities, so there may be more than two shifts. But elsewhere I am sure we can stick to the two-shift system," Labrador said in Filipino in a predawn interview on dzXL radio. Under the two-shift system, students are divided into groups that can use a classroom in the morning and in the afternoon. In some instances, there were even evening groups. Labrador said the Education Department is trying to finish repair and maintenance work on public school structures before school starts on June 10. "Yung emergency tinatapos nang husto (We are trying to finish emergency cases soonest). We are trying to finish before opening of classes," she said. Meanwhile, Labrador reminded parents that they are not required to pay for various fees during enrollment. She said even the "approved" fees are voluntary. The approved fees include those for Red Cross, the school organ, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts activities. "Everything is voluntary, maski allowed ang contribution (even if the contribution is allowed)," she said. "We're removing all the reasons for parents not to bring their children to school," she added. - GMANews.TV