SOME private schools offered their classrooms as poll precincts in case the Commission on Elections need more space.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez earlier said that the poll body is considering using 105,000 poll precincts for the May 9 elections.

“Well, we can easily fill that up. Let us know if Comelec is really bent on hiring new classrooms and we are ready to service Comelec,” Eleazardo Kasilag, president of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators, said.

Kasilag said there are more buildings in private schools than the public schools.

“In Marikina alone, there are 116 private schools and only 33 public schools, i.e., 17 elementary schools; 16 secondary schools and 14 secondary schools of these are with SHS [senior high school] programs. However, public schools are much bigger,” Kasilag said.

“This is a welcome development for the private schools for this can surely help us since FAPSA does not get financial assistance from the government — apart from GASTPE and we are struggling. FAPSA is on survival state right now. We need to grab any opportunity that comes our way,” he added.

Jimenez said the Comelec prefers to set up poll precincts in public schools but not all classrooms will be used considering the social distancing protocol.

“FAPSA has all the empty classrooms Comelec needs. We just need to be notified asap and FAPSA shall gather all administrators in any parts of the country and I am pretty sure, this delightful development shall be received with open arms,” Kasilag said.

“In this regard, Comelec can enjoy a package; we also offer the service of private school teachers as poll clerks. This is also one thing that we have been asking Comelec. I understand some pubic school teachers wish to rest during summer, FAPSA can grab that opportunity to work and get paid for it,” he added.