As a new school-year starts and so as not to experience delays, Grade 6 students of Laoag Central Elementary School have to make do with attending classes in their school canteen as work on their classroom continues.

To make the set-up work, the school had to move chairs and other learning materials to the canteen. There is no blackboard so a television is used for visual presentations. Electric fans are provided to keep the space comfortable.

"Komportable naman kami dito sa [makeshift] classroom. Hihintayin nalang po namin na magawa ang aming classroom [anmin], kaysa naman po wala kaming classroom [para] magklase, kaya dito nalang kami," Jericho Agnes, a Grade 6 student, said.

Cornelio Jimmy Lucas, the principal, acknowledged the inconvenience but assured that efforts are being made to expedite the construction of the classroom.

"Magtiyaga muna tayo habang ginagawa ang ating mga classroom. Nakausap ko na ang contractor at binigyan naman kami [ng timeframe] — talagang sinabi niya [na] within two weeks matatapos na nila ang kisame," Lucas said.

Despite the unusual setup, the students and teachers continue their lessons without major disruptions. Break times are scheduled simultaneously to avoid any interference with the ongoing classes.

According to the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Ilocos Norte, 372 public elementary and high schools in the province have resumed classes for school year 2024-2025.