Recent storms and monsoon rains have submerged its garbage facility, forcing the Mangaldan National High School in Pangasinan to move its Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to a new location within the campus, just a few meters from some classrooms.

The school made the decision after the original MRF was flooded and waste materials began floating in the water.

“Inabot kasi ng tubig doon. Mahirap kasi, lumulutang ang basura,” Eduardo Castillo, the school principal, said.

To prevent further issues, school staff relocated the waste collection area to higher ground near classrooms.

Despite the proximity to classrooms, the school said the waste materials currently stored there are not hazardous.

Ken Belarmin, a student whose classroom is near the new MRF, said it hasn’t caused distractions or unpleasant smells.

“Okey lang kasi hindi... nakabukod naman ang mga nabubulok sa hindi (nabubulok), tsaka mga papel lang ‘yung nandi’yan kaya hindi mabaho,” he said.

Castillo said the school still follows proper waste segregation despite the change in location.

“Bale hindi diyan lahat naka-deposit. Mayroon tayong segregation na ginagawa,” he said.

In the long term, the school plans to improve the area and turn it into a garden space for students.