Special school module during flooding season sought

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Several parents of students in the coastal communities in the fourth district urged the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday to come up with a special academic module during the flooding season.

They said classes were suspended for an indefinite period as school compounds have remained submerged in floodwaters.

“Dito sa amin sa Barangay San Agustin, matagal nang walang pasok ang aming mga anak mula ng magsimulang pumasok ang tubig baha sa aming lugar,” said Leticia Dela Pena, a parent from a low-lying barangay.

Dela Pena said flooding is an annual occurrence that is expected by everyone in the community. In fact, she said, they are ready for it.

However, she added that suspension of classes for a long period of time would compromise the education of the students.

“Habang hindi bumababa ang tubig sa barangay ay hindi pa rin pwede pumasok ang mga estudyante natin dito,” Cecile Manalastas, another parent, pointed out.

Meanwhile, concerned parents said if flooding is a natural thing during the rainy season, the DepEd should also consider formulating a special module to ensure the continuity of academic activities despite long suspension of classes.

“Kailangan pag-isipan na ng DepEd ang aming panukala, kasi taon-taon na lang ganito ang sitwasyon pero wala pa silang pinapatupad na reporma para mapunan yung mga araw na walang pasok,” Manalastas noted.