Severe flooding in Mandaue City has prompted the suspension of face-to-face classes at Mayor A. S. Fortuna Memorial Elementary School. The decision was made on Friday, July 31, after heavy rains led to rising waters inundating classrooms, particularly on the ground floor.
Community Concerns about Recurring Flooding
This morning, classes were still ongoing. However, when we checked and saw that the waters were rising, we suspended the classes before they rose too high.
Moises Menderico, School Physical Facilities Coordinator
School officials chose to keep students at the school until their parents could safely retrieve them, prioritizing their safety amid ongoing flooding risks. Menderico highlighted the school's vulnerability to flooding, exacerbated by its low-lying location near a creek.
Flooding also led to class cancellations the previous day, with the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) assisting in evacuating students trapped in classrooms. Jessie Villegas, a parent of a Grade 5 pupil, confirmed that the school administration communicated with parents to ensure children's safety.
Residents in Barangay Guizo expressed frustration over the persistent flooding. Marlyn Teron, a local resident, reported that her family had to stay elsewhere during the floods, highlighting the ongoing issues with water management in Mandaue.
This has been going on for a long time. We should call the mayor to help us; the flooding is really the only problem here.
Marlyn Teron, Barangay Guizo Resident