Up to 21 public schools in General Santos City have implemented shifting of classes due to lack of classrooms.

In H.N. Cahilsot Central Elementary School in Barangay Calumpang, three shifts were being implemented due to the high number of students.

The first shift starts at 5:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. while the second shift begins at 12:20 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. Students in Grades 1, 2, 3, and 6 have the whole day shift.

The school administration said the 14 sections in Grades 4 and 5 are occupying only seven classrooms.

“Kulang mi classroom that’s why shifting sya, kami dire sa Cahilsot usually ang among student is from the barangay Calumpang lang guyd na sya,” School Principal, Ma. Arlyn Alboroto, said.

Work shift is also implemented among teachers based on the Department of Education (DepEd) order, which allows a teacher to work for six hours.

“Different teacher, si teacher morning lang sya tapos pagka afternoon wala na sya klase, si afternoon wala pud sya klase sa morning, bali naga follow me atong DepEd Order Number 5 ug 10,” Alboroto added.

A Grade 5 teacher said the work shift would allow teachers to rest and prepare teaching materials.

“Yung time na mag prepare kami ng materials sa lesson, ay nagagawa na namin every afternoon, so mas maganda din sya, naka pag pahinga kami, nagagawa namin yung mga gawain namin sa bahay,” Grade 5 Teacher, Arlydeon Campaner, said.

According to DepEd-General Santos City, over 46,000 students have enrolled in junior high school; nearly 80,000 in elementary; and more than 10,000 in kindergarten, as of August 13, 2024.

DepEd-General Santos City urged parents to enroll their children in the nearest school.

“Kung saan malapit ang skewlahan na yan at hindi naman na lolocate ang residence mo baka pwede ang estudyante mo ay doon mo i-enrol sa kung saan malapit sayo,” DepEd-General Santos Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Mervie Seblos, said.