LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Presidential adviser on political affairs Francis Tolentino yesterday told local officials and personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) here to do everything at their disposal in order for the Mayon eruption-displaced students to graduate on time, without “mass promotion,” as a tall order from President Duterte.
Tolentino prodded government agencies and local government officials to join hands to expedite construction of the temporary learning spaces (TLS), putting up of tents and other similar schemes to solve the problem of classroom shortage after at least 821 classrooms, or 76 percent of the total classrooms, were occupied by Mayon evacuees.
“The President does not want the schedule of graduation in Albay to be extended to a different date. He said the graduation in Pasay, for example, should be simultaneous with the graduation in Albay,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino has already requested the engineering battalion of the Armed Forces and the Department of Public Works and Highways to help the DepEd in the construction of the targeted 158-first batch and 196-second batch TLS.
He also reminded DepEd Bicol director Ramon Fiel Abceda to ensure that despite difficulties in the holding of classes, “no mass promotions” of graduates should happen.
Abceda assured Tolentino that despite the disruptions in holding classes, the teachers ensure that all the competencies the students need to acquire are delivered.
“They will graduate on time with all their needed skills and competencies given to them,” Abcede said.
“Since the start of the disruption of classes due to Mayon evacuation, we have already implemented several remedial measures and interventions,” Abcede said.