PALO, Leyte- The Department of Education (DepEd) through its schools division in Leyte have put up new secondary schools to provide more access to education and solve the school dropout issue in the province.
Ronelo Al Firmo, the Leyte schools division superintendent, disclosed that the list of newly-opened schools in Leyte is increasing since he assumed office in 2013.
In Barangay Bilwang, Isabel, parents, students and village officials expressed their excitement over the opening of their new school to accommodate the increasing enrolment at the Matlang National High School (MNHS).
“We’re really thankful to Dr. Firmo for the initiative,” said MNHS school principal Vivian Salahid.
The other schools to be opened include the Gimarco National High School and Campokpok National High School, both in Tabango; Bachao National High School in Leyte-Leyte; Villahermosa National High School, Calubian; Hilusig National High School,Mahaplag; Danao Natonal High School in MacArthur; San Vicente National High School in Tolosa;Talisay National High School, Hilongos; Libertad National High School and San Jose National High School, both in Palo; and Cansamada National High School in Dagami.
Edgar Tenasas, assistant schools division superintendent, lauded Firmo’s effort to improve access and promote opportunities by opening schools, saying it “is an action responding to our Secretary’s vision for a liberating education.”
“As to the number of schools he opened during his incumbency is something worth to be proud of. My prayers that God gives him more wisdom and strength as he squarely faces all challenges he met along his journey as schools division superintendent,” Tenasas said in a statement.
Firmo had earlier established 24 secondary schools across Leyte, many of them are located in remote areas.
Known as the biggest among the 13 schools division in the region, the Leyte Division covers 40 towns with more than 15, 000 teachers assigned in 1, 107 elementary schools, 149 secondary schools, and 126 senior high schools.
(RONALD O. REYES)
