Construction of a new day care center in Barangay Lanas, Mangaldan, Pangasinan was halted temporarily due to the election ban.

In a small, cramped room, dozens of preschoolers squeeze into split shifts just to learn.

Every year, the local day care center receives more than 60 enrollees — far more than the tiny classroom can hole comfortably.

“Masikip talaga doon, hindi sila komportable,” Imelda Cerezo, the barangay councilwoman, said.

To solve this long-standing problem, barangay officials began building a new, larger day care center earlier this year.

Construction was already 80 percent complete before it was halted temporarily due to the election ban.

“Itutuloy naman ang construction niyan, kung hindi nga lang eleksyon, tapos na ‘yan,” Cerezo added.

Despite the delay, the barangay assured parents and guardians that the new building will be ready in time for the opening of the 2025–2026 school year in June.

“Makakatulong po siya sa amin talaga,” Marimar Silverio, a guardian, said.

Silverio is among many parents hoping for a better learning environment for their children.

The P400,000 facility will also serve children from neighboring barangays Salay and Bantayan, helping decongest the old classroom and provide a more comfortable space for early education.