Schools in Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City strengthened their safety measures after heavy rains and flooding affected several areas, prompting school officials and local authorities to prioritize the protection of students and personnel.
In Mandaue City, the incident at Mayor A.S. Fortuna Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Guizo highlighted the need for immediate response after floodwaters rose inside the school premises on Thursday, July 30.
Several students were stranded at the school after floodwaters quickly entered the area. The students were later evacuated by the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), with assistance from the Guizo Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), using rubber boats.
Following the incident, school officials implemented early dismissal on Friday, July 31, after heavy rains again affected the area.
School Physical Facilities Coordinator Moises Menderico said the decision was made to prevent a repeat of the previous day’s situation, when rising floodwaters delayed the students’ return home.
“Ganeha naay klase, pagtan-aw namo nga murag dako naman sad ang tubig mintras wala pa nagsugod og taas, amo nalang gi pull out ang mga estudyante,” Menderico said.
He said parents and guardians were immediately contacted and required to fetch their children to ensure their safety.
“Natagam man gud mi gahapon (Thursday) gud kay dugay nabuhian ba, mao tong pagdako sa tubig gipang rescue sa CDRRMO nga boat,” he said.
Parents also expressed concern over the health risks posed by floodwaters.
Jessie Villegas, a parent who fetched his fifth-grade son, said he immediately went to the school after receiving a message from his wife while he was at work.
He said he was worried about allowing children to wade through floodwaters, which may contain contaminants.
“Hugaw baya kaayo na ang tubig gikan pa na sa sapa, di gyud maayo nga mahumol ang mga bata sa tubig,” Villegas said.
Before classes resumed, students, teachers, and school personnel also cleaned classrooms and school grounds to remove mud, floodwater, and debris left by Thursday’s flooding.
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City also implemented early dismissal of classes in all public and private schools on Friday following the issuance of a Yellow Rainfall Warning by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the move was made to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and school personnel amid changing weather conditions.
“The safety and welfare of our learners, teachers, and school personnel remain our highest priority,” King-Chan said.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the early dismissal was implemented upon the recommendation of the CDRRMO.
Ouano said school heads had been instructed to carry out localized suspensions or early dismissals depending on conditions in their respective schools and barangays.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to immediately fetch their children or make the necessary arrangements for their safe return home,” Ouano said.
The local governments reminded residents to continue monitoring weather advisories and take precautions as heavy rains may trigger flooding in vulnerable areas.
Photo courtesy of Edward Ligas
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