Wet weather woes: Pupils express their concerns
Commuter students in Cebu City are facing significant safety concerns during the rainy season, with issues such as getting soaked, long waits for public transport, and navigating flooded roads causing concern [1]. Students have highlighted problems like a lack of umbrellas, exposure to cold and wet conditions, and risks of slipping or accidents when walking through floodwaters [1]. Some students report having to walk long distances due to impassable flooded routes, further exacerbating safety risks [1].
Several students have proposed solutions to address these issues. Ashieya Jane Sanchez and Kate Gabisay, for instance, advocate for early class suspension announcements and thorough road condition checks to prioritise student safety [1]. Ludwig Henren Nuñeza suggests providing durable raincoats instead of the ones that easily break [1]. Maloloy-on suggests prioritizing giving free umbrellas to students [1]. Fionalisa Baritugo even proposes providing all commuter students with free rides [1].
While students emphasise personal preparedness (like umbrellas and raincoats), the larger systemic issues—such as poor drainage leading to flooded roads, traffic paralysis, and lack of reliable transportation during severe rains—require urgent action from local authorities to enhance infrastructure, improve public transport, and strengthen disaster risk management [1][2][4]. The declaration of a state of calamity and emergency funds aim to fast-track such long-term solutions [2].
The city disaster management council’s actions, such as promoting modular and asynchronous learning during heavy rains, help reduce the need for commuting during unsafe conditions [2]. General safety tips for commuters include wearing quick-drying clothes, waterproof shoes, and raincoats, as well as ensuring vehicles are well-maintained for rainy weather (e.g., tires, brakes, wipers) [3].
Students from Lahug National High School (Night), such as Ashieya Jane Sanchez, Xyrah Gabrielle Maloloy-on, Fionalisa Baritugo, and Kate Gabisay, have all expressed difficulties during the rainy season [1]. Justice Dawn Barte is associated with Lahug National High School. All students acknowledge the inadequacy of current support measures, such as limited free bus rides and delayed announcements [1].
In summary, commuter students in Cebu City propose a combination of personal preparedness and urge governmental action to improve transport safety and flood management during the rainy season [1][2]. The rainy season in the Philippines lasts from June to early October [5].
References:
- Students' Safety Concerns During Rainy Season
- Cebu City Declares State of Calamity to Address Commuter Problems During Rainy Season
- Safety Tips for Commuters During Rainy Season
- Improving Infrastructure and Public Transport During Rainy Season
- Philippine Rainy Season
- In the rainy season, commuter students at Lahug National High School, such as Ashieya Jane Sanchez, Xyrah Gabrielle Maloloy-on, Fionalisa Baritugo, and Kate Gabisay, face safety concerns due to flooded roads and inadequate support measures.
- The Phillipines, including Cebu City, experiences the rainy season from June to early October, making it crucial for students to prioritize their safety by wearing quick-drying clothes, waterproof shoes, and raincoats, as well as ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained for the rainy weather.
- To address these issues, students propose solutions like early class suspension announcements, thorough road condition checks, providing durable raincoats, free umbrellas, and even free rides, while advocating for the government's involvement in improving infrastructure, public transport, and disaster risk management.
