Flood-Resilient School Building Marks New Disaster Response
MACABEBE, Pampanga — Education Secretary Sonny Angara has actively reinforced President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize immediate response during disaster recovery. On Wednesday, he led the inauguration of a flood-resilient school building and coordinated relief efforts in the flood-affected towns of Masantol and Macabebe, Pampanga.
In Masantol, Secretary Angara joined local and education officials, including Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, DepEd Region III Assistant Regional Director Jessie L. Amin, and Schools Division Superintendent Romeo S. Alip, to open a new flood-resistant classroom at Masantol High School. This initiative is part of a larger effort to create safer, more disaster-proof learning environments amid worsening climate impacts.
Model Classroom for Flood-Prone Areas
“‘Yung nakita nating classroom sa Masantol, I think ’yun yung talagang magiging modelo for flood-prone areas. Sa Bicol, dito, sa Bulacan. ’Yan din ang gusto ng Pangulo, na may permanent solutions na tayo—hindi ’yung nag-a-adjust. We must adapt our policies,” Angara explained.
This classroom represents a permanent solution designed for regions prone to flooding, setting a standard for other vulnerable areas such as Bicol and Bulacan. It reflects a shift from temporary fixes to long-term adaptations in education infrastructure.
Engaging Communities and Supporting Educators
After the ribbon-cutting, Secretary Angara engaged with teachers, students, and local residents affected by recent floods through a roundtable forum held within the school grounds. He then led the distribution of food packs and essential supplies to both teaching and non-teaching staff members.
Angara emphasized the Department of Education’s commitment to quick and thorough action during calamities. These measures include conducting damage assessments, providing psychosocial support, and ensuring that learning continues despite disruptions.
“Kapag may kalamidad, una nating tanong: ligtas ba ang mga paaralan? Kumusta ang ating mga guro at kawani? Kaya’t sinigurado ng DepEd, alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulo, na may agarang tugon at aktwal na pagdalaw sa inyo ngayon,” he stated during visits to San Isidro Elementary School and San Nicolas Elementary School.
Relief Efforts Extend to Macabebe
In Macabebe, Secretary Angara also led the distribution of more relief packs at Macabebe Elementary School. The relief mission delivered over 2,000 food packs to teachers, staff, and their families affected by the floods.
He closed the visits by reaffirming DepEd’s whole-of-government approach to disaster response and educational continuity.
“Hindi natin kayang pigilan ang bagyo, pero kaya nating ihanda ang bansa. Basta’t magkakasama tayo—DepEd, LGU, Kongreso, at mga guro—walang hindi kakayanin,” Angara declared.
Together with local leaders, education officials continue to champion resilient infrastructure and timely aid to safeguard learning amid natural disasters.
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