THE rainy season in the Philippines, typically occurring from June to early October, brings heavy rainfall, flooded grounds and cold weather.
For commuter students from Lahug National High School (Night), this means facing significant delays, getting soaked and risking their safety on flooded and traffic-laden roads. The safety of these students, who rely solely on public transportation, is particularly at risk.
Ludwig Henren Nuñeza, a Grade 10 student, shared his frustration about getting wet. “Especially when your shoes and socks get wet,” he said. When asked about dealing with traffic during the season, he explained, “I can deal with the rain but the longer I wait for a ride, the more I get wet.”
Meanwhile, Fionalisa Baritugo, a Grade 12 ABM (Accountancy, Business and Management) student, highlighted a common oversight.
“My struggle in waiting for a jeepney - aside from the rain - is I don’t have an umbrella with me,” she stated, noting that many students’ main problems during the rainy season are not bringing umbrellas or checking the weather beforehand.
For Ashieya Jane Sanchez, a Grade 8 student, the situation worsens when traffic necessitates walking through flooded roads amidst unsafe travel conditions.
She recounted a challenging tricycle ride: “A sudden downpour caused flash flooding that submerged the road I was supposed to take, so I had to walk a long distance.” Despite almost slipping, getting cold and ending up wet multiple times, she remained calm until she reached home.
Kate Gabisay, a Grade 9 student, experienced similar difficulties, navigating heavy rains and traffic. She also mentioned that students often arrive late to class due to these conditions.
The challenge of effectively using an umbrella was also brought up by Xyrah Gabrielle Maloloy-on, a Grade 8 student, who shared, “Whenever I bring an umbrella, it will be flipped upside down and will fly away (due to strong winds).”
All students acknowledge the existing support from school officials and local leaders, such as free ride buses and early class suspension announcements.
However, they expressed feeling that these measures are often inadequate for ensuring their safety. Free bus rides are limited, and announcements are sometimes delayed. Therefore, students have proposed ways to enhance these support systems.
Nuñeza suggested, “Give us raincoats, not the ones that break easily though,” emphasizing the need for durable rain gear. Baritugo, on the other hand, simply recommended providing all commuter students with free rides.
Sanchez and Gabisay stressed prioritizing student safety by issuing early class suspension announcements and thoroughly checking road conditions.
They firmly believe that students’ well-being must come first, and they should not have to risk it just to attend classes. Maloloy-on’s simple plea was to prioritize giving free umbrellas to students.
As the rainy season continues, school officials and local leaders in Cebu City must proactively implement immediate and comprehensive solutions to these pressing commuting problems. Justice Dawn Barte /Lahug National High School