BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Education–City Schools Division reported the presence of persistent challenges being encountered by the agency that impact the well-being and learning environment of learners in the public elementary and secondary schools in the city.
City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Soraya T. Facullo said that in terms of classroom needs, which is one of the major challenges being encountered by the agency annually, the city public schools need around 133 new classrooms while there are still 99 classrooms that need major repairs across elementary and high schools.
She added that another challenge being experienced by learners are the unexpected suspension of classes with 16 days class suspensions during the school year 2024-2025 and that 11 days of which were triggered by weather disturbance.
The City Schools Superintendent claimed that the unexpected class suspension greatly affects learning as schools are required to have 180 contact days which are academic days.
Facullo pointed out that if the learners lost 11 days, it means that they already missed out on the set of learning competencies of these days aside from the fact that teachers will have to do more catch up work.
She stipulated that the department recognizes the weather disturbances that is why there is a need to strengthen the provision of education resources to ensure that learning continues amidst the disruptions.
On nutritional status of learners, Facullo noted that there are 928 wasted and severely wasted learners as of 2024 from Grade 1 to 6 under the school-based feeding program.
According to her, while rates are declining in the last three years, the agency recorded some 20 bullying cases in the different schools in the city last school year and that bullying remains a significant concern in schools not only in the city but also nationwide where Baguio is not immune.
Facullo rallied the agency’s partners to help the education department foster a safe and inclusive environment for all learners which involves the strict enforcement of anti-bullying policies, promoting empathy and respect through values education and strengthening reporting and intervention mechanisms.
“We aim to ensure that every student feels secure and supported in their learning journey. We continue to rally for your support in addressing these challenges in order to bolster our initiatives for our learners in the city. DepEd Baguio remains committed to empower our teachers in preparation for the strengthened senior high school curriculum, support the principals to make swift decisions at their level in order to deliver the needs of learners faster and for schools to remain safe and conducive. We know we can do more with your support,” Facullo stressed. By Dexter A. See
