BANGUED, Abra – Around 40,000 Abreñean students and pupils went back to public schools on Monday, June 4, as school year 2018-2019 opened .
During the first Monday flag ceremony at the provincial capitol,Abra Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Amador D. Garcia reported that 33,184 elementary pupils; 12,340 Junior high school students, and 3,101 senior high school students were enrolled in the different public schools in the province.
For this school year, Garcia said there are 282 schools for elementary, 38 schools for junior high and 27 senior high schools; 1,684 elementary teachers, 614 junior high school teachers and 123 senior high school teachers.
He announced that all was set for the smooth opening of classes for this school year with the successful conduct of the Brigada Eskwela 2018 from May 28 to June
The Philippine National Police also fielded personnel province-wide to ensure peace and order during the start of classes.
Department of Educatio-Abra strictly implements the “No collection of fees” policy. Pursuant to Dep-Ed Order No. 41, s. 2012 which includes the implementing policies on the collection of voluntary school contributions, the DepEd is firm on its goal to provide all Filipino learners with free basic education in public elementary and secondary schools.
Jan Nowel Peña, spokesperson of DepEd-Abra, said publicschools teachers who are reported collecting fees will face administrative sanctions after due process. He clarified that DepEd-Abra does not rely to informal reports regarding this issue as he encouraged parents to file a formal complaint if they happen to encounter these problems.
By: Christian Allister G. Tubadeza
