Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 17) — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said the transition committee it formed will have a key role in ensuring that pending issues will be addressed for a smooth transfer of jurisdiction over 14 schools from Makati City to Taguig City’s supervision.
One of the issues that needs to be settled is who will be paying for the operational expenses of the schools, which is still not clear, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
“That is why it was very important for us na magkakaroon na ng transition team at mapagusapan na para nga mapabilis at may direksyon na talaga tayo lalung-lalo na malapit na ang opening of classes,” he said.
[Translation: That is why it was very important for us to already have a transition team to already discuss to expedite the process and set our direction especially now that the opening of classes is near.]
In case the two local government units will not agree on the matter, Poa said the department will find ways to settle operational expenses. The Metro Manila regional head was also instructed to identify contingency plans, may it be for funding or arrangements of the learners, he noted.
There is also the issue of school supplies purchased by Makati City which were not yet distributed to students due to the conflict. Poa said the transition team will also assist in ensuring what will be implemented will be beneficial for the students affected.
The transition team formed is part of the department order issued by DepEd on Wednesday that allowed it to take on supervision of the schools pending a transition plan. It is composed of a regional director assigned outside of Metro Manila, the DepEd schools division superintendents of Taguig-Pateros and Makati, and the legal officers of both cities.
Poa said DepEd assuming authority over the schools will ensure that there will be a peaceful and orderly opening of classes on Aug. 29. The department hopes the transition team will start discussions soon so the transition can already take place, he added.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay told CNN Philippines on Wednesday that around 48,000 students are affected by the management issue over the 14 schools.
In a statement, Binay said they welcome the decision of DepEd to take on management and supervision of the schools as this will ease the worries of students, parents, and teachers involved.
“We look forward to working wholeheartedly with the transition team created by the Vice President,” she added.
The Taguig City government also thanked DepEd for its decision to assume authority over the schools.
\”We look forward to crafting the transition plan together with the Department of Education and all relevant government agencies,\” It added.
The Taguig city government also welcomed Binay’s statement that she and her office will work “wholeheartedly with the transition team” where the issues related to the transfer of jurisdiction can be discussed and resolved without need for re-litigation.
