PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — THE Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) rejected the double-shifting scheme being implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) to address classroom shortages in Metro Manila.
Benjo Basas, TDC president, warned that mandatory implementation of double-shifting scheme on use of classrooms would only result in shorter class hours to the prejudice of the students.
He said this would also mean lesser teachers’ hours devoted to students.
Basas made the statement in reaction to DepEd directive reminding all public schools across the country to strictly comply with the double-shifting policy even as the education department continues to augment classrooms and repair damaged school buildings in typhoon-affected areas.
The TDC said instead of mandatory implementation of double-shifting system, the DepEd should properly address the problem of classroom shortage nationwide.
Basas said in Caloocan City alone, the use of classroom is not limited in double-shift system but has reached a four- shifting scheme just to accommodate a bigger number of students.
Earlier, in DepEd Order No. 58 s. 2008, Undersecretary Ramon Bacani reminded school officials after disclosing that the department has received reports that only a very few percentage of schools were complying with the double- shifting policy despite having been promulgated four years ago.
“As a consequence of non-compliance, many schools request for the construction of additional school buildings since classroom shortages are computed on the basis of a single shift use of classrooms,’’ said Bacani.
Bacani directed schools requesting for additional classrooms to support their plea with a certification that they are already operating on a double-shift basis.
“If double shift is not feasible, this should be properly explained. Moreover, the computation of classroom shortages at the national, regional, division and school levels should be based on the double-shift policy,’’ he stressed.
The order also said that double shifting of classes should be resorted to as a means of resuming regular classes as early as possible in areas where school buildings have been damaged.
Bacani enjoined all field offices and schools to submit a report of compliance with the double- shift policy through their respective divisions and regional offices not later than July 31, 2008.