Dumaguete to Introduce Special Programs as Public Schools Relocate to New Site in July

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Dumaguete City is set to introduce new special programs at the grade school level following the relocation of two public elementary schools to a new site in July.

This initiative follows the formal turnover of the new location for the City Central Elementary School and Calindagan Elementary School, which took place on Wednesday.

“Here in Dumaguete City, we are aspiring to be the hub of development in terms of sports, culture and the arts, and journalism,” stated Dr. Marina Salamanca, head of the DepEd City Schools Division, in an interview.

Dr. Salamanca highlighted the potential of these special programs, as evidenced by the city’s recent success in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association games, the Festival of Talents, and the Regional Schools Press Conference, where Dumaguete learners secured top positions.

The new site, formerly the Catherina Cittadini-St. Louis School (CC-SLS), offered elementary and high school education for 33 years before closing last year. The city government, represented by Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, acquired the private school for PHP120 million, with the purchase agreement signed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Poor, represented by Sr. Sicily Jacob and Sr. Wilma Pitogo.

A ceremonial turnover of the “key” was held at the city council session hall, attended by DepEd officials, city councilors, and other stakeholders.

Initially, a deed of usufruct was considered between the city government and DepEd, but it was later decided that the property would be donated to the agency. The DepEd has allocated PHP3 million for upgrading classrooms for the two public elementary schools, which will now be used for improvements at the new site.

The relocation of the City Central Elementary School and Calindagan Elementary School to the CC-SLS site is scheduled for July, coinciding with the opening of the next school year. Dr. Salamanca clarified that the schools will not merge but will be co-located, similar to other public schools in the area that offer separate programs.

The formal donation from the city to DepEd is expected to take place in June, ensuring the smooth transition of the schools to their new location.