• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod barangay officials and schools have been asked to strictly implement the anti-truancy ordinance among elementary and high school students in the city.
Councilor Psyche Marie Sy said there is a growing problem among parents and school administration on student truancy as many elementary and high schoolers can be seen at internet cafes, malls, or gaming establishments and other public places during school hours.
City Ordinance No. 633, passed by the SP on Feb. 11, 2013, prohibits all elementary and high school students of Bacolod “to stay or linger in public and private places outside the school campus during school hours.”
It shall also be unlawful for any business establishment to allow students during school hours to stay or linger inside or within the vicinity of their stores; for any parent or guardian to allow their children to stay or linger outside the school campus during school hours; or for any teacher or school authority to permit a student to loiter outside or leave the school campus during school hours.
Sy noted that Section 7 of City Ordinance No. 633, or the “Anti-Truancy Ordinance for Elementary and High School Students of Bacolod City”, requires a truant officer, duly-appointed by the Parents, Teachers and Community Association, the punong barangay, or the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.
“Truancy among elementary and high school students must be prevented at the earliest time before it becomes a vicious habit which may lead to regrettable results,” Sy stressed in her resolution approved by the SP recently, adding the city government has the utmost responsibility to help parents and schools in rearing the youth and in helping them to become responsible individuals.” | CGC
