Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay on Tuesday commended the city’s Department of Education, the local police force and community leaders for the opening of classes that went off without a hitch in the city.
“We want to start the school year right that is why the city and its partners have undertaken measures to ensure a smooth-sailing school opening in Makati,” Binay said.
The city’s public schools—27 elementary, 10 junior high, and eight senior high schools—have sufficient number of classrooms and teachers to accommodate the influx of students typical during the first week of classes.
The city government’s measures include deploying 102 local police officers to man assistance desks set up in the schools to provide security and maintain order in school premises and surrounding areas.
Another 16 police officers have been detailed to manage traffic at major thoroughfares near schools with big student populations, such as Benigno Aquino High School and Fort Bonifacio High School in District II.
Binay also acknowledged the successful implementation of the weeklong “Brigada Eskwela” last month, which ensured clean and orderly classrooms and school premises in time for Monday’s opening of classes.
The activity was conducted through the joint efforts of parents, teachers, barangay officials and volunteers, the local police and fire departments, DepEd Makati, and the city government.
Last month, the mayor ordered the early delivery of various school supplies to the schools to ensure their prompt distribution to Makati students. This year, the city has allocated P714.6 million for Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education), which provides free school supplies and uniforms to public school students.
Notebooks were distributed as follows: seven writing notebooks each for pre-schoolers, Special Education (SPED) learners, and Grades 1 and 2 pupils; Grades 3 to 10 students, eight composition notebooks each; and 10 each for Grades 11 and 12, and Makati Science High School students.
Grades 7 to 12 will also be provided with one math notebook each.
For pad paper, preschoolers, SPED learners, and Grades 1 to 4 will be given five writing pads each, and for Grades 5 to 12, five intermediate pads each. Every student will receive one student diary.
On the other hand, preschoolers, SPED learners, and Grade 1 students will have five fat pencils each, while Grades 2 to 12 will have five regular pencils each. Grades 3 to 12 will receive five pens each.
Under Project FREE, each student will also receive two sets of school uniforms, one pair of jogging pants for Physical Education classes, two Makati t-shirts, a pair of black leather shoes, and a pair of rubber shoes. Preschoolers and Grade 1 pupils will also get one free school bag each.
To date, enrollment in Makati public schools is still ongoing.