Some Dagupan schools to use shifting due to flooded classrooms

As the new school year begins on Monday, June 16, several public schools in Dagupan City will implement shifting in class schedules due to classroom shortages and flood-prone areas made worse by the rainy season and high tide.

Dagupan City has 31 public elementary schools and eight public high schools, including three integrated schools.

However, many students will have no classrooms to use when classes open, according to the Schools Division Office.

“There’s a lot of shortages sa classroom natin,” Dr. Rowena Banzon, Schools Division Superintendent, said.

Some schools will adopt shifting schedules not only because of limited space, but also due to flooding caused by the rainy season and rising tides. Schools are prioritizing the use of flood-free classrooms for student safety.

“We have several schools na nag-propose na sa akin for shifting due to baha,” Banzon added.

One of the schools affected is Victoria Q. Zarate Elementary School in Barangay Pantal, where flooding has worsened after the road outside the school was elevated.

“Kung umuulan po ay papasok na agad ‘yung tubig dito sa paaralan at nababaha na dito,” Master Teacher Erwin Festejo said.

Other schools like North Central Elementary School in Bonuan Gueset are shifting classes temporarily due to ongoing construction of new buildings.

The local government is helping address classroom shortages. However, schools are also short on computer packages needed for learning.

“Kung may donors who will help us out, this would be good contribution for the schools,” Banzon said.

As of June 13, Dagupan has around 1,800 teachers.

While the number is still manageable, the division office said adding seven elementary and 10 high school teachers would be ideal.—GMA Regional TV News