Malabon Mayor Sandoval draws flak for including photo in moving-up certificates

Some Malabon students and their families criticized the distribution of certificates bearing the image of Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval at the numerous moving-up ceremonies held throughout the city.

In a ''24 Oras Weekend'' report by Mav Gonzales, public school students and parents reported that the certificates featured a large photo of Sandoval's face.

“Kami po yung naghirap sa certificate, tapos mukha niya ang nakalagay,'' a student said.

"Parang aagawan sila ng spotlight ng nakaupo,'' another person said.

According to a statement released by the Malabon City LGU, the certificate was intended to recognize ''the hard work of the child as well as that of the family who worked tirelessly to ensure that their children have a promising future.''

"The new administration closely monitors the performance of the children because it is committed to [ensuring] that all public schools in Malabon are able to provide [the] quality education that our children deserve,'' it said. 

Citing a report from local DepEd officials, the agency's spokesperson Michael Poa said the certificates were ''on top of and separate from the Certificates of Completion issued by the DepEd.''

''It's the LGU's way of recognizing the learners of Malabon,'' he added. —Jiselle Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News