After nearly two weeks of class suspensions due to tropical cyclones and flooding, excitement filled the classrooms of West Central Elementary School 1 in Dagupan City as students finally returned to school on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Despite the challenges brought by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon, Grade 1 pupils showed up early and in full force, ready to learn again.

“Ngayong umaga, sa tingin ko they are very excited talaga kasi halos lahat sila, attendance pa lang full-packed na. Wala akong absent, all present. At saka nakita ko ‘yung eagerness ng mga bata na bumalik ulit sa eskwela,” Teacher III Lizalyn Nabor said.

Parents were just as happy to see their children back in school. For Mhariz Agpoon, whose child is in kindergarten, the return to face-to-face classes is a welcome break from online distractions.

“Ngayon masaya na kasi syempre ‘yung mga bata po, one week na wala silang pasok. Eh ‘yung mga lesson nila late na sila, kaya dapat ‘yung mga lesson last week, kailangan nilang habulin ngayon,” she said.

According to the school, around 85 percent of enrolled students reported to class on the first day back. Some were unable to attend due to illness or flood-related issues at home.

Teachers assured parents that all classrooms have been cleaned and made safe, including those that were used as evacuation shelters or were flooded during the storms previously.

To make up for lost days, school officials are now considering schedule adjustments.

“Kung ano ‘yung mapipili namin, kung mag-e-extend kami ng time or mag-Saturday class kami para mapunan ‘yung parang 10 days na walang pasok,” Head Teacher III Marilou Taminaya said.