By Dominic Dela Cruz
Staff reporter
Batac City—Department of Education (DepEd) regional director Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio described schoolyear 2016-17 as “historic.”
The current school year marks the formal implementation of the senior high school program in the country.
Ms. Torio lauded the two education heads in Laoag and Batac Cities for their active participation in the implementation of the new education program.
She also expressed her delight for the orderly and peaceful opening of classes on June 13 in the province.
She explained that, based on initial field reports, school children are excited to start the new school year. She also pointed out the increase in the number of enrollees.
Senior high school kinks
MS. Torio however admitted that some schools still do not have building for senior high school students. Some tracks are also still being studied at the DepEd regional office. Laoag City, for one, still needs additional teachers for senior high school.
To remedy the problems, she said the Education department created Task Force Balik Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela Action Committee. The said groups tackle problems faced by public schools. They also take suggestions to improve the education system.
In Batac, Ms. Torio said education superintendent Vilma Eda offered one track or field of specialization for every school offering the senior high school program. Ms. Torio said she “appreciates this move very much.”
One secondary school here, however, did not offer the senior high school program due to lack of space. To correct this, the DepEd office built a standalone high schools within the areas of Mariano Marcos Memorial School and Billoca Elementary School.
Batac offers all senior high school tracks except for sports, and arts and design.
In Laoag City, acting superintendent Joel Lopez said they still need to hire additional senior high school teachers due to the unexpected increase in the number of enrollees.
Laoag schools offer all senior high school tracks.
