A leaking classroom roof forced Grade 3 students at Mangaldan Central School in Pangasinan to stop classes whenever it rains.

A video taken inside the Grade 3 Molave classroom showed water dripping heavily from the ceiling, with students using pails and even umbrellas to keep dry.

Teacher Imelda Prestoza said the problem has long affected their class.

“Tuwing umuulan ng malakas, malakas din ang tulo dito sa loob. Dalawa kami ni teacher na ganito ang experience, manirap,” she said.

Some classrooms nearby were also found to have damaged roofs, which the school has been unable to repair due to limited funds.

The principal, Dr. Liza Lojo, explained that their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) are prioritized for bills before repairs.

“Bina-budget kasi namin ang MOOE. Kumbaga bayaran muna namin lahat mula sa mga utility bills, kapag bayad na lahat atsaka nilalaan namin ‘yung funds sa mga repair,” Lojo said.

The school has already secured a budget to replace the roofing of two Grade 3 classrooms. Repairs will be done during weekends to avoid disrupting classes.

“Ang construction ay Sabado–Linggo. Nag-o-overtime na nag contractor para pagdating ng Monday tapos na,” Lojo added.

The school management asked for patience and understanding from parents and students as they await funding for other pending classroom repairs and rehabilitation projects.