The opening of classes in the 364 public elementary and high schools in Ilocos Norte on Monday has been smooth, based on the monitoring of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“So far, the opening of classes in the schools is generally peaceful and successful,” Valerie Talamayan, designated information officer of DepEd Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

“We have our strong partners in the community like the local government units, barangay officials and the PTA (parents and teachers association) members helping out in the schools.”

As of Monday morning, the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte has recorded a total of 67,899 learners enrolled out of the 85,133 target enrolment.

Talamayan said the number is expected to rise as enrolment is ongoing until Friday.

At the Eladio V. Barangan Memorial Elementary School in San Nicolas town, Dr. Rolen Oracion, school principal, told PNA that after welcoming the learners with a song-and-dance number from their teachers and orienting the learners on the school rules and policies, school supplies and used clothes from family sponsors in Hawaii, United States were distributed to selected beneficiaries.

“We look forward to a year filled with learning, creativity, and achievement,” Oracion said.

Noralyn Dela Cruz, school principal of Laoag Central Elementary School, said the opening of classes in their school was also without a hitch.

Meanwhile, teachers of Salanap Elementary School in Pinili town also expressed their excitement in welcoming their learners as they resumed interactive classroom discussion immediately after the flag raising ceremony and simple welcome program.

“Thank you so much to our parents and community partners for preparing our school and for generously sharing their blessings for our learners,” school principal Aileen Rambaud said. (PNA)