Cebu City school officials still mulling class skeds for IEC

THE Cebu City Schools Division still has to study which schools can suspend classes for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC).

Though the Department of Education (DepEd-7) approved the specific dates, Cebu City Schools Division asst. superintendent Danilo Gudelosao said they need to assess this since there are only a few months left in the academic school year.

“We have to make  sure and balance it so that  we can meet the required number of school days,” Gudelosao said.

So far Bario Luz Elementary and High School and  Mabolo Elementary and High School were allowed to cancel classes.

“These are the areas directly  affected in the 51st IEC especially for the route and venues,” he said.

Ramon Duterte National High School is also allowed to suspend classes but only during the Visita Iglesia scheduled on January 28.

For  Abellana National High School and City Central School, officials proposed to suspend classes on January 30.

There will be a Mass and first communion of 5,000 kids to be presided by Cebu Archbishop emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal at Cebu City Sports Center.

Gudelosao said the situation of Abellana National High School and City Central School should be discussed well because their buildings are being used for out-of-town contingents for the Sinulog Grand Parade.

There are only three schools that will be occupied by the out-of-town contingents.

Yesterday, contingents from Masbate and Catbalogan, Samar were expected to arrive last night and occupy City Central School.

Contingents from Tangub and Abuyog, Leyte will stay in Zapatera Elementary School and Abellana National High School on January 12.

A contingent from Lanao del Norte is expected to arrive on January 13 and will stay at the Abellana National High School.

“If we would extend more for the Abellana National High School and City Central School, I could not say if they would be able to meet the required number of school days,” he said.

Make-up classes can be held  every Saturday. There are 201 school days for the school year 2015-2016 and classes will end on April 1.

Private schools can decide on their own to suspend classes.

“They are also encouraged to do the same by the IEC organizers,” he said.

Regional Director Juliet Jeruta of the Department of Education (DepEd) signed a memorandum last January 5 to suspend classes in some schools in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.

The Cebu City Schools division can suspend classes on identified schools as recommended by the Cebu City government from January 25 to 30.

Mandaue City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Arden Monisit confirmed that there will be suspension of classes for  all 27 public elementary schools and 23 public high schools on Monday to  Friday,  January 25 to January 29.

The Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division can also suspend classes from January 27 to January 29.