DepEd may delay school computerization program
POOR SECURITY IN SCHOOLS
LINGAYEN— More than the computer equipment lost by a number of public schools to robbers over the last six months, the schools in Pangasinan lost the opportunity to have their computer laboratories upgraded this year.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, informed Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., that the school’s computerization or the installation of computer units in some 50 computer laboratories in different schools in Pangasinan may be put on hold due to the occurrence of robbery incidents.
“He (Luistro) is somewhat alarmed by these (robberies) and he has requested the assistance of the provincial government,” the vice governor said.
Mr. Calimlim said Fr. Luistro, has received the report on the series of robberies incidence in Pangasinan Division from schools division superintendent (SDS), Dr. Maria Celia Fernandez.
“If this will (robbery incidence) continue, there may be delay in the conduct of upgrade of computer laboratories in the province,” the vice governor remarked.
The Education Secretary also pointed out to Mr. Calimlim that Pangasinan is experiencing a high rate of classroom burnings, as compared to other provinces in the country.
In view of this, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. called the heads of the different school divisions, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), and concerned community members in the province to a conference to address the two issues raised by DepEd.
According to Mr. Calimlim, during the conference, the stakeholders confirmed that investigations have shown that while most of the school robbery incidents were perpetrated by criminal groups, police intelligence pointed to involvement of school employees, said Calimlim.
But apparently, some of the reported “losses” were actually traced to negligent and careless handling of the delivery of the units by suppliers.
“There were reports na may pagpapabaya sa delivery system, ‘yong ibang units dine-deliver sa alanganing oras at iniiwan lang sa gwardya,” Mr. Calimlim said.
“He (Luistro) is just awaiting our assurance that we will do our best to stop it (robbery incidence),” the vice governor said.
Mr. Calimlim reportedly also told Fr. Luistro of the provincial government’s dilemma about the continued non-appointment of a permanent police director in the province for three years now, which has affected the policy on security, including of schools.
To which, Fr. Luistro, Mr. Calimlim said, vowed to convey the concern to the PNP national headquarters. (Johanne R. Macob)
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