The first day of classes for the school year in Cebu City was marked by peace and order, with no significant disruptions reported. Local education officials confirmed that students and teachers returned to classrooms without any untoward incidents.
Peaceful Start to School Year
According to the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division, the opening of classes on Monday went smoothly across all public schools in the city. Dr. Rhea Mar A. Ang, the Schools Division Superintendent, stated that they received no reports of major problems from any of the districts.
"We are happy to report that the first day of classes was generally peaceful and orderly. Our monitoring teams have not encountered any major issues," Dr. Ang said in a statement.
The peaceful start was attributed to the collaborative efforts of school administrators, teachers, parents, and local government units. The Cebu City Government, through the Department of Education, had earlier conducted preparations to ensure a smooth opening.
Preparations and Coordination
Prior to the opening, schools conducted clean-up drives, orientation sessions for parents and students, and coordination with the Cebu City Police Office for security measures. Traffic management plans were also implemented to ease congestion near school zones.
"We coordinated closely with the city government and the police to ensure the safety and convenience of our learners and their families," Dr. Ang added.
Some schools reported minor issues such as incomplete enrollment data and classroom shortages, but these were addressed promptly. DepEd officials assured that they are working to resolve these concerns.
The peaceful opening is a positive sign for the education sector in Cebu City, which has faced challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and other disruptions. With the return to full face-to-face classes, officials are optimistic about the school year ahead.
