ACT-Negros opposes shortening of class hours
BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Division School Supt. Dr. Milagros Gonzales is not comfortable with the proposal to shorten the class hours from 6 to 3 hours to answer the problem of “overcrowding” in some schools in Metro Manila.
She said that here in Bacolod City, only Educational Training Center School (ETCS) are confronted with so much school population but this problem could be resolved if the students coming from other barangays will transfer to schools located in their respective barangays.
Gonzales said that the problem in public schools is the lack of facilities and school rooms to accommodate students. She said that last week, her office received a Department Order for the plan of shortening the school hours. Gonzales will review the Department Order first before finalizing her plans.
Meanwhile, Gualberto Dajao, chairman of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)-Negros, opposed the plan of shortening the class hours from 6 to 3 hours since this could directly affect the students.
He said that only 35 students is the ideal number for every classroom and the shortening of class hours is not the solution.
Dajao appealed to the Department of Education that instead of shortening the class hours, said department must focus on the improvement of school facilities and see to it that every school has enough books for the students.
He understands that this proposal will actually be implemented in some testing centers in Metro Manila. Dajao wished that this plan will be reviewed before having it implemented in all public schools here in the City of Bacolod.