LET US BE ONE!

HELEN G. JUGUILON

In the Philippines, the month of June marks the start of public school classes, which is also the time when problems in the educational sector are noticed and tackled. Mostly reported issues are the increase in enrolment, shortage of teachers, insufficient school facilities, dilapidated buildings, and the worst, lack of classrooms. In remote areas, the school itself does not exist, hindering the opportunity for the youths to foster their total development .

These dilemmas of the department do not only concern what is lacking physically, but also the conduciveness of the schools to be a place for learning. Crowded classrooms distract most of the students’interests and concentration in their studies that may lead to their low learning outcomes. Since there are a lot of learners to accommodate, some are conducting their classes in the barangay halls, covered courts, and under the shades of big trees. Thus, multi-shift classroom was implemented in order to address classroom shortage.

Classroom shifting is a hassle for a huge number of students who experience it, as well as for teachers who find it very exhausting due to handling multi- shift classes. In addition to this, the number of class hours isn’t enough for the learners’academic subjects and the eradication of extracurricular programs deprive them of the enjoyment and learning skills that can be derived from such activities. This situation is indeed very alarming and disheartening. However, we should not blame the government, for it tries to give the best to provide the educational needs of the nation although it seemed not enough. Instead of pointing fingers, all of us, as part of the system, rich or poor member of the society, should help in finding the best solutions through our own simple ways. Let us be one in taking part of the responsibilities to solve these perennial issues that would benefit our nation and bring hope to the future generations.

— oOo—

The author is Principal II of Salapungan Elementary School