SENATOR Bam Aquino inspected flooded and condemned classrooms in two public schools in Naga City, vowing to address these concerns to ensure students have a safe and conducive learning environment.

During his inspection with Mayor Leni Robredo at Julian B. Meliton Elementary School, Aquino learned that 34 of the school’s 71 classrooms are frequently flooded, with 24 no longer usable due to severe damage.

Despite being declared unsafe, 10 of the flooded classrooms are still being used because of the school’s persistent classroom shortage.

According to the school principal, flooding is caused by the school’s low-lying location, swampy terrain, and undersized drainage system, which prevents floodwaters from subsiding quickly even after the rain stops.

Classes in affected areas are often suspended during heavy rainfall, while Grade 2 and Grade 3 students follow a permanent shifting schedule due to the shortage of classrooms.

Aquino encountered similar conditions during his visit to Mabolo Elementary School.

“Mahalagang maaksiyunan ito ngayon na tina-tackle iyong budget ng classrooms at budget ng edukasyon. Mahalagang maprotektahan natin ang mga kabataan natin sa baha, sa lindol, at sa bagyo,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“Dapat maging climate resilient ang ating mga eskuwelahan. Dapat mapondoan nang tama, sa tamang presyo, sa tamang halaga, at sa mabilis na oras,” he added.

Aquino reiterated his commitment to achieving these goals in partnership with local government units to ensure safe, disaster-resilient schools for all learners.