BACOLOR, Pampanga — Trapped inside their dormitories with classes suspended due to deep floodwaters, four freshmen of Pampanga State University (PSU) shared the same sentiment: flood control remains unaddressed, and long‑promised government action has failed them.

In a random interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, the students were asked whether the government has properly addressed the flood control problem. Every one of them answered a firm no.

“Floodwaters block roads, we have run out of supplies, and we are unable to buy what we need. There have been so many promises from the government, yet up to now, nothing has been done,” said Drik, an Architecture student.

Andrei, a Computer Engineering freshman, lamented that despite huge budgets allocated for flood control, nothing has changed. The situation remains exactly as it was — flooded.

Rhiani, an Education freshman, finds it truly saddening that conditions have only grown worse. “Rainfall was not even exceptionally heavy, yet waters rose dangerously high. It makes one wonder where the funds went.”

For Celine, an Industrial Technology student, the problem is far worse than before. She believes the situation is even worse than during Typhoon Yolanda. “Floodwaters reach waist‑deep; moving around is a struggle. This area is completely submerged, and nothing has improved.”

Their raw, unfiltered frustration mirrors the sentiment of many ordinary citizens — young and still learning about governance, yet clearly seeing a system that feels broken.

Persistent reports have alleged that billions of pesos in flood control funds were pocketed by unscrupulous contractors, DPWH officials, and other government figures, leaving critical projects unfinished or poorly executed.

Public anger intensified following the resurfacing of a video showing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Senator Erwin Tulfo stating that flood control projects should not be interfered with — remarks many viewed as dismissing the urgency of the crisis.

The students joined the growing call for the Senate to resume its investigation into flood control anomalies as soon as possible.

“Do not let this be forgotten — it matters greatly that the truth comes out and accountability is served,” they urged.

For these young learners, the impact goes beyond just being stranded — their education is also being disrupted, putting their future on hold each time floodwaters rise.

Until the root causes — and those responsible — are exposed and addressed, communities like theirs will remain vulnerable, and students like them will continue paying the price for years of unfulfilled promises.