Six days before the opening of classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing the transition process for the 14 public schools in Embo barangays now under Taguig City jurisdiction. School officials and teachers of the affected schools are gearing up for the inventory of all properties involved, and preparing all the documents and contracts related to the schools’ operations.
The DepEd is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police to ensure the hassle-free implementation of instructions issued by Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte concerning the so-called EMBO schools. On Tuesday, school officials thanked Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano for turning over school uniforms and supplies and other materials needed by the students, and for taking necessary measures to ensure that the school premises are safe and ready for the students and teachers when classes reopen on Aug. 29.
The affected 14 schools are Makati Science High School, Comembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Pitogo Elementary School, Pitogo High School, Cembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, and South Cembo Elementary School.
These schools were transferred from the Department of Education’s Division of Makati City to the Division of Taguig-Pateros following a Supreme Court decision that ruled in favor of Taguig in the two cities’ territorial dispute.
The DepEd will oversee the management and administration of these schools in connection with the transition.
A transition committee was also created, to be composed of regional directors, DepEd Schools Division superintendents, and legal officers from Makati City and Taguig City.
All public school students in Taguig City, including those from the 10 EMBO barangays that erstwhile belonged to Makati began receiving school supplies on Tuesday.
The students will receive a school package depending on their grade level that includes a bag, school supplies, uniforms, socks, black shoes, rubber shoes, and a full set of school materials from the local government of Taguig.
Additional supplies for kindergarten and daycare pupils include emergency contact cards and a health kit with a bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towel, and alcohol spray.
On Tuesday, Mayor Laarni Cayetano led the distribution of school materials to pupils at Pitogo High School and Upper Bicutan Elementary School.
“More than the material things, our presence today is a testament that we are ready to really support our learners, to really support their dreams and aspirations in life,” said Cayetano.
Pitogo High School administrative officer Dr. Mary Rose Roque thanked the local officials for the turnover of school supplies.
“It’s a day of significance, a day that we come together to welcome and embrace change, growth, and the promise of the future,” Roque said.
“The act of receiving these supplies signifies the transition of one phase to another, a transition that is marked by anticipation, enthusiasm, and a sense of readiness to explore the uncharted territories of knowledge, therefore equipping our very own students with the means to express themselves and flourish,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Taguig government clarified that its scholarship program is not limited to the upper 10 percent of the graduating class but is open to all, regardless of year levels.
The program is also open to those reviewing for licensure examinations and taking postgraduate studies.
High school graduates with or without honors can apply and receive P15,000 up to P50,000 per year, while those who will be studying in premier colleges and universities or will be taking priority courses as identified by DOST can receive P40,000 to P50,000 per year.
Those who will pursue technical and vocational courses will receive P15,000 each year, and those who are reviewing for the board and bar exams may receive a one-time assistance of P15,000 to P20,000 plus an additional P50,000 if they land in the Top 10.
So far, the program has helped produce more than 3,200 licensed professionals.