CHIZ SUPPORTS EFFORTS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Despite being criticized by the Department of Education and even tagging the suggestion of opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero as giving away "calamity diplomas," some private schools have already been passing students for this semester following the disaster brought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

News reports have tagged the Presidents of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators (Fapsa) and the Caloocan Association of Private Schools (Capris) as two groups who have supported the call of the 40-year-old lawmaker to offer academic credits to students who were affected by the two storms.

According to reports some schools that are part of these groups, allowed students to enter class in civilian clothes and slippers and in extreme cases without books. "This is exactly why I have pushed for the giving academic credits. Some students, especially in calamity-stricken areas, have not yet recovered and are still trying to bounce back after the deluge which swept their homes," Escudero said.

The senator added that some schools have already implemented similar programs for their students. He said that the Deped has been too brash in labeling his suggestion. "More than the lessons they will be taught in class, they will remember for life the compassion and understanding schools gave them when they needed it most," he said.

Escudero also reminded the Deped that other schools are still either swamped or being used as evacuation centers up to this time. He reiterated that the purpose of giving passing grades to the students who have practically lost their school materials, houses, or even relatives is to be able to see the importance of helping others while helping themselves.