DEPED Tayo Negros Occidental photo
BACOLOD CITY – The newly established Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) reported a shortage of 6,298 classrooms and 877 teachers.
Almyr Caezar Dequiña, public information officer of DepEd-NIR, said schools have been vocal in expressing the lack of classrooms.
“We are doing everything we can to address the problem until such time we can physically meet the region’s classroom needs,” he said.
Schools are employing interim strategies such as maximizing available spaces, converting rooms for classroom use, and implementing shifting schedules to accommodate all learners.
Dequiña assured that they are fasttracking the hiring of teachers to fill the gap.
He thanked school heads, teachers, and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation as DepEd-NIR works towards solutions.
Meanwhile, Dequiña said that about 1,295,463 learners have enrolled in the region as of June 23.
DepEd-NIR remains optimistic about hitting or even exceeding last year’s enrollment figures before the deadline on June 30.