After weeks of flooding caused by recent storms and the southwest monsoon, classrooms in Dagupan City are finally getting cleaned, with parents, teachers, and students working hand-in-hand to prepare for the return of classes.

At West Central Elementary School 1, we saw parents doing general cleaning inside classrooms that were submerged in knee-deep floodwaters at the height of recent heavy rains. Mud and foul-smelling water were still present, but the volunteers patiently scrubbed the floors.

“Kailangan talaga bayanihan. Tulungan para na rin sa mga bata,” Edwin Caperlac, a parent, said.

Grade 1 teacher Ma. Lovella Cezar returned to her classroom and was disheartened to find damaged teaching materials, broken appliances, and even a fish that had been swept inside by the flood.

“Nanghihinayang dahil may mga nabasang gamit. Mga IMs para sa learner, mga modules na hindi naitaas kasi unexpected ‘yung nangyari,” Cezar said.

Teachers in other classrooms also took part in the cleanup, with some students pitching in. While a few evacuees still remain on campus, the school administration is preparing for students’ return.

“Sana ‘yung mga bata, lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga nasa hindi nababahang lugar, sana makapasok na rin sila kasi 2 weeks na walang pasok, kawawa talaga sila,” Head Teacher III Marilou Dove Taminaya said.