ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Roxas City conducted a convergence meeting of an inter-agency task force for “Oplan Balik Eskwela” (OBE) 2024 to address ground-level issues and concerns before the opening of classes on July 29, 2024.
DepEd Roxas City Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Roel Bermejo expressed appreciation to the Roxas City government, government agencies, and barangay officials for their unwavering efforts and support to the SDO.
“Education is everyone’s business. You have an important role to play in ensuring that our goal of a smooth resumption of classes is achieved,” he said.
The superintendent also noted that with 50 private and public schools, SDO Roxas City serves approximately 41,000 learners.
During the convergence, school heads raised concerns mainly about traffic control issues and the ongoing road construction near school premises.
Traffic Management Unit (TMU) head Gonzalo Andrada committed to deploy his team to 17 schools in the city with busy and highly congested streets.
He assured the school heads that he would deploy 22 personnel to assist with traffic control even before the start of classes.
Plaridel East Elementary School school head Irene Billones extended her thanks to the TMU for deploying traffic enforcers in their school.
“It is an inconvenience for us because I personally experienced being late due to severe traffic in front of our school and unauthorized parking in our premises,” she added in Hiligaynon.
Further, Verginia Alvarez, school head of Tanza Elementary School, mentioned that their water bill had increased due to an old water line that has not been replaced since its installation.
“That is why we plan to have the water line replaced to detect any leaks early. I have already asked our punong barangay for help in estimating the cost. Our main concern now is the installation, since our school is small and we have a limited maintenance budget,” Alvarez added in Hiligaynon.
Metro Roxas Water District Division Manager Donnalee Deondo stated that they would conduct an ocular inspection to determine the design and specifications of the materials needed to make sure that the water leakages will be prevented in the future.
“With that concern, we in Metro Roxas are very much willing to help,” she added.
Other agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, and other stakeholders, including the Capiz Electric Cooperative, also showed their commitment to the DepEd in devising ways to resolve frequent public concerns for the betterment of the children in schools. (EAD-PLF/PIA Capiz)
