Cebu City tightens school security as classes reopen on June 8
Cebu City is intensifying security measures and finalizing school preparations ahead of the upcoming June 8 class reopening. Mayor Nestor Archival has directed the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to increase visibility and reinforce outposts near campuses, while simultaneously managing ongoing infrastructure repairs at several schools still recovering from previous natural disasters.
The upcoming academic year introduces a significant structural change in the Philippines: the Department of Education is shifting from a quarterly grading system to a three-term school year, totaling 201 class days.
Security and Safety Protocols
To ensure a safe environment for returning students, Mayor Archival has coordinated with CCPO Director Police Col. George Ylanan to prioritize rapid response capabilities in school zones. The mayor emphasized that the increased police presence serves as a deterrent against criminal activities near school grounds.
Beyond law enforcement, barangay officials have been instructed to maintain community vigilance. The city has also deployed cleaning crews to ensure that school facilities are orderly and prepared for the influx of students and faculty.
Infrastructure Challenges
Despite the city-wide preparations, the path to the school opening remains complicated by lingering damage from last year’s typhoons and earthquakes. Schools in Barangays Buot-Taup, Sapangdaku, Buhisan, and Lusaran remain under observation due to safety concerns.
At Lusaran Elementary School, approximately 600 learners may be forced into a shifting schedule—alternating between morning and afternoon sessions—if classroom repairs are not completed by the June 8 deadline. The school has been undergoing rehabilitation for nearly seven months following severe damage caused by typhoon Tino.
The transition to a three-term academic calendar reflects an attempt to address systemic burnout among educators. By dedicating 10-day breaks at the end of each term for grading and administrative tasks, the Department of Education is attempting to balance instructional requirements with the practical reality of teacher workloads, which have previously struggled under the pressures of the quarterly system.
What May Happen Next
The success of the June 8 opening depends heavily on the pace of construction at the affected upland schools. If rehabilitation efforts at sites like Lusaran Elementary fall behind schedule, local officials will likely need to formalize the temporary shifting schedules to accommodate all students. Furthermore, as the new three-term system is implemented, administrators and teachers may face an adjustment period as they integrate national celebrations like Nutrition Month directly into the curriculum rather than treating them as separate, disruptive events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the academic calendar changing?
The Department of Education shifted to a three-term system because studies indicated teachers struggled to complete required competencies, grade computations, and school forms under the previous quarterly setup.
How is the new school year structured?
The school year consists of 201 class days divided into three terms: 69 days for Term 1, 65 days for Term 2, and 67 days for Term 3. Each term concludes with a 10-day break for grading and teacher training.
Are all schools ready for the June 8 opening?
No. Several schools in Barangays Buot-Taup, Sapangdaku, Buhisan, and Lusaran require ongoing repairs or relocation due to safety risks stemming from previous typhoons and earthquakes.
How do you think these infrastructure and scheduling changes will affect the daily learning experience of students this year?