New school to curb dropouts in upland Leyte communities

BURAUEN, Leyte, July 20  -- The establishment of a new campus in an upland village here is seen as a key in curbing the high dropout rate, such as in remote communities far from secondary schools.

School head Adolfo Raga said Friday they had to start classes in makeshift classrooms at the Buraburon National High School as 90 learners had signed up.

“Since we don’t have a maintenance budget yet, we had to ask donations from our friends for learning materials and gather used furniture from other schools,” Raga said.

Burauen town Mayor Juanito Renomeron pushed for the opening of a new school in Tagadtaran village to serve 15 upland barangays, noting that many children usually stop going to school after Grade 6. The campus projects about 200 enrollees every year.

The local government has set aside PHP3.2 million for the site development and construction of a three-classroom building in the village, some 13 kms. from the town center. The new building is set to be completed early next month.

“The new high school will bring hope to hundreds of elementary graduates discouraged by distance to continue learning,” Raga said.

One of the students is a 21-year-old father who graduated elementary nine years ago, according to the school official.

“Many of our enrollees have been out of school for years. We’re planning to come up with a way to help them catch up with classroom learning,” Raga added.

The farthest barangay covered by the new campus is Villa Corazon, where children have to spend PHP120 daily for transportation to attend the nearest school in town.

Grade 8 learner Christian Caca, 14, from Tagadtaran said his family has saved a lot after he transferred to the new campus.

“Last year, I spent PHP60 daily for fare alone, but now PHP12 is just enough daily for my refreshment,” the aspiring professional basketball player said.

The Department of Education’s regional office in Palo, Leyte approved the school opening through a memorandum issued last May 17, but has not yet provided maintenance funds, pending some documentary requirements. (SQM/PNA)