With the concerned departments having made their preparations for the opening of classes on June 6, Malacañang on Saturday said it expects the first day of school to go smoothly.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte assured parents their children can go to school without worrying about peace and order.
“We expect the first day to go smoothly. Nag-setup ang Department of Education ng action center sa iskwelahan. Mabilis naman inaaksyunan ng DepEd ito," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She also said the Philippine National Police already deployed their units to school zones. “You can safely go back to school na di iniisip ang peace and order situation."
However, Valte also issued last-minute reminders to school bus owners and operators to make sure their vehicles are safe for children.
She said this includes having the drivers and conductors being mindful of the safety and security of schoolchildren, especially while traveling along highways.
“I want to appeal to school bus owners and operators to make sure their vehicles are safe for children to ride. Drivers and conductors of such vehicles must be mindful of the children’s safety and security especially when the vehicle is traveling along the highway," she said.
On the other hand, she reminded the Commission on Higher Education to act on "hidden fees" in colleges and universities.
“Pinapaalala natin huwag tayo magsamantala (The bottom line is not to take advantage of the students and their parents)," she said.
Scattered rains expected on Monday
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms may be expected Monday.
In its extended weather forecast as of 5 a.m. Saturday, PAGASA said Monday will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers in Metro Manila and major cities such as Tuguegarao, Laoag, Baguio, Olongapo, Tagaytay and Legaspi and Puerto Princesa Cities.
But it indicated the weather may be mostly cloudy with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in Iloilo, Bacolod, Metro cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Metro Davao, and Zamboanga City. — LBG
