The first day of enrollment in public schools in Zamboanga City was disrupted by flood following heavy rains that poured dawn on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Floodwaters reportedly entered the classrooms of Baliwasan Central School, but learning materials were not damaged.

Parents had a hard time enrolling their children as they had to cross floodwaters. However, teachers tried their best to facilitate the enrollment process.

“Nagwo-worry po para sa mga bata kasi may baha, nag-worry na magka-dengue ang mga bata,” a parent said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has already coordinated with the local government to ensure the safety of learners and teachers.

“We are also anticipating itong mga baha,…the LGU is to take care of the situation pero we are coordinating with them and sa aming level we are just doing what is within us para kung meron ganito, safe ang aming learners and teachers,” Basilo Uy, chief of the DepEd-Zamboanga City School Government and Operations Division, said.

Meanwhile, several streets were also flooded after a drainage reportedly overflowed.

Floodwaters also entered some houses in Barangay Divisoria.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the local government is mulling expanding the drainage system as a possible solution to the problem.

“So we have just to improve our drainage system natin, medyo lakihan natin siguro that will be assessed by the City Engineer’s Office,” ZCDRRMO Chief, Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, said.

CDRMMC is still conducting assessment on barangays and schools affected by the flood.