Schools’ dropout rate alarms Mt Prov execs

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Dropout rate particularly of secondary schools in the province has increased alarming officials and making them take preventive measures to address the problem.

They have found an ally in the UNICEF and the Department of Education who are set to conduct a training-workshop to enhance skills of parents, teachers and school heads on dropout prevention and reduction.

Batch 1 composed of Bontoc, Sadanga, Paracelis, Barlig and Natonin towns was scheduled on October 2-4 in Bontoc.

Batch 2 composed of Tadian, Bauko and Sagada was scheduled at Tadian on Oct. 9-11.

Batch 3 and 4 will be attended by secondary school officials at Natonin and Tadian School of Arts and Trade on Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 23-24 respectively.

The workshop aims to reduce dropout rate by identifying the causes and preventive measures.

It was learned though that because of the existence of the Child Friendly School System (CFSS) program a remarkable decrease of dropout rate was observed in pilot schools. “Many of our schools have observed that these dropouts usually drop during the months of December, January and February barely few months before the school year ends.

Gov. Maximo B. Dalog cited importance of intervention by the DepEd, local officials, teachers and parents in addressing the problem.

Dalog urged sectors support the Pinagpagan Community Health and Social Development Team aimed to foster care and protection of children and that chjapters would be organized in every barangay to make programs functional.

The governor said full implementation of the Essential Health Care Package in the province was needed which could also help in addressing dropout rate.

The EHCP which is now in full swing promotes good health practices in daycare center and schools in the province. -- Wynner Sayaan