In a decisive move to tackle persistent educational disruptions, Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu is championing the construction of elevated or 'hanging' classrooms for schools frequently inundated by floodwaters within the municipality.
Mayor's Inspection Reveals Critical Situation
The urgent call for action follows Mayor Danilo Guintu's inspection of communities situated along the left bank of the Pampanga River on November 18, 2025. During his visit, the mayor witnessed firsthand the severe impact of flooding on a local school, where waters were observed to rise to thigh-deep levels. This recurring situation forces students to stay home, significantly hampering their academic progress.
Mayor Guintu emphasized the widespread nature of the problem, stating, "All schools across our 26 barangays are experiencing flooding. The children cannot attend classes, so their education is severely affected." This highlights a critical infrastructure challenge that plagues the entire community.
Proposed Solution: Elevated Classrooms
To ensure learning continues safely and without interruption, especially during the rainy season, Mayor Guintu has formally appealed to Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara. He is seeking the allocation of necessary funding for the proposed elevated structures.
The suggested design for these classrooms is both practical and innovative. It features an open first floor, allowing floodwaters to flow through freely without causing structural damage. The actual classrooms would be built on the second and third floors, creating a safe, dry, and conducive learning environment regardless of the weather conditions outside.
Securing a Dry Future for Education
This initiative represents a proactive step towards building climate-resilient educational infrastructure. By pushing for these elevated classrooms, the local government of Masantol aims to directly address the annual problem of school floods. The success of this proposal hinges on the support from the national DepEd office, which could set a precedent for other flood-prone areas in the Philippines.
The community now awaits a response from Secretary Angara, hoping for a positive outcome that will secure a brighter, flood-free future for its students.
