Marawi transferees to Region 12 schools reach 231

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines - The number of displaced learners or students from Marawi City who have transferred to public schools in Region 12 has reached 231 as of Tuesday, but more are still expected to enroll in the coming days.

Anton Maganto, DepEd-12 information officer, said such figure was based on the enrolment data submitted to their office by public elementary and secondary or high schools within the region’s nine school divisions.

Region 12, also known as Soccsksargen, has a total of 1,746 elementary and 499 secondary schools, including those offering senior high school programs.

He said the Cotabato City schools division reported the most number of transferees from Marawi with 50, followed by Koronadal City with 39, Sultan Kudarat with 35, and Kidapawan City with 32.

“We’re still validating the reports from our school divisions as there are areas that posted significant increases,” he said in a radio interview.

Maganto said the transferees are already settled in their enrolled schools and they have not received reports on problems so far related to their transfer.

He said some of them have undergone stress debriefing sessions through the guidance counsellors of their schools. Maganto said the enrolment for transferees and other students are still ongoing in all public schools in the region.

Dr. Arturo Bayocot, DepEd-Region 12 director, earlier said public schools in the region will accept and accommodate transferees from Marawi City until June 30.

He said schools are mandated to accept the transferees, including those who were not able to present any school-related document or record.

In line with the prevailing martial law in Mindanao, DepEd-12 reiterated its call to authorities to ensure that schools will remain neutral and treated as "zones of peace."

He added that students, teachers and personnel should be spared from any form of violence, intimidation or threat. Two years ago, DepEd-12 declared all schools in the region as “zones of peace,” and posted tarpaulins infront of school compounds to raise public awareness and support on the matter.(AVE/PNA) posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News PH.