CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines – The perennial problem of lack of classrooms and teachers did not hamper the official opening of classes in Central Visayas Monday, although some classes were held in such alternative classrooms like chapels, barangay halls, and the like.

Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Regional Director Carmelita Dulangon said classes in public elementary and secondary educational institutions in the entire region were in full swing Monday as over 1.5 million students returned to school after a two-month summer break.

“The lack of classrooms is a perennial problem but we have been urging principals to make sure that no students will be barred from enrolling because there are no more classrooms,” said Dulangon, adding that school administrators may implement double-shifting just to accommodate students.

Double-shifting means classes will be held in the morning for a group of students and another group will be asked to attend classes in the afternoon, Dulangon explained.

She, however, said there are 953 new teachers assigned to various schools in the region to cope with the influx of students this school year.

Dulangon revealed that some classes were held inside barangay halls and chapels while some new school buildings have to be turned over to schools in the region. Local government units, she said, are in full cooperation with the DepEd in making sure that classes are not hampered.

“We have to look for alternative classrooms while waiting for new school buildings to be turned over because we can't suspend classes just because there are no classrooms,” said Dulangon.