A PUBLIC school in Lapu-Lapu City has been experiencing frequent power interruptions due to electrical problems posing risks to students and teachers.
Pajo National High School Principal Mitchel Misa told reporters on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the disruptions have become more frequent, particularly in the afternoons since the beginning of January, raising concerns among school officials.
“It’s alarming to us because it involves electricity…This case involves the safety and security of the children,” said Misa in Cebuano.
After consulting with five electricians, Misa said the power outages are caused by overheating because the breaker has reached its full capacity.
The breaker has been in use since 2016 or 2017, but with the growing student population and additional buildings and facilities, power demand has increased.
Measures
In response to the problem, a school memorandum on energy conservation was issued, said Misa.
She said the memorandum includes turning off appliances when not in use, limiting the use of lighting, and controlling the use of ventilation equipment. Using table taps instead of electric water dispensers and restricting student device charging, have also been outlined in the memorandum.
The Department of Education Schools Division Office (DepEd) of Lapu-Lapu City submitted a letter to Mayor Junard Chan seeking his help.
DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division Engineer Jonas Jacalan, along with electrical engineers, also inspected the breaker and found that certain parts need to be rewired to accommodate the school’s loading capacity.
Meanwhile, DepEd Lapu-Lapu Superintendent Marilyn Andales said P500,000 has been allocated to address the concerns, including increasing the wattage and electrical supply to prevent overloading.
Misa is calling for a swift resolution by April as the May elections approach, with six classrooms designated as polling stations for Pajo National High School.
She explained that leaving the lights on overnight, coupled with the risk of power outages during the election, could cause significant disruptions to the electoral process. / DPC