343 pupils in flood-hit Calumpit receive school kits

For 343 pupils of Frances Elementary School, returning to the classroom after weeks of flooding came with more than the challenge of catching up on lessons. Many families were also faced with the task of rebuilding their daily lives after floodwaters disrupted homes, livelihoods and access to basic necessities.

A community-led initiative sought to ease that burden, distributing back-to-school kits to 343 learners last October as the final leg of a three-part relief drive for residents of Barangay Frances.

The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Minalynne Ma-alat, a Calumpit native who mobilized donors and volunteers to extend assistance to fellow residents affected by the widespread flooding in the municipality.

The distribution, supported by the Rotary Club of Manila Bay and Otto Shoes, highlighted the importance of keeping children’s education on track even as their families continue to recover from the effects of recurring floods.

Calumpit among Bulacan’s flood-hit communities

The relief effort came amid a difficult year for Bulacan, where persistent flooding has affected several municipalities, including Calumpit.

On 11 August, Mayor Lem Faustino declared a state of calamity in the municipality after floodwaters inundated all 29 barangays following days of heavy rainfall. The southwest monsoon, compounded by tropical depressions Luis and Maymay, brought widespread flooding that affected households and disrupted everyday activities.

The situation remained difficult toward the end of August. The Philippine Red Cross reported floodwaters reaching three to four feet in parts of Calumpit on 30 August, as heavy rains continued to affect communities across Luzon.

For residents, the consequences extended beyond damaged properties and temporary displacement. Prolonged flooding also disrupted children’s schooling, transportation, access to essential services and the livelihoods of families who depend on daily work.

These recurring conditions underscore the need for more comprehensive flood-control measures in Bulacan, particularly in communities that regularly experience rising water levels during the rainy season.

In Barangay Frances, flood-control infrastructure is also being strengthened through the ongoing construction of a higher and more durable dike.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Giovanni Lopez recently inspected the project, which was reported to be more than halfway complete and targeted for completion in the first half of 2027.

The inspection followed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the completion of quality and durable flood-control structures in high-risk and flood-prone areas, continuing efforts initiated under former DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

The dike project forms part of the broader effort to improve flood protection in vulnerable communities. Its completion is particularly significant for residents of Calumpit, where repeated flooding has demonstrated the need for infrastructure that can better protect homes, schools and livelihoods.

While immediate relief efforts help families address urgent needs, sustained flood-control interventions remain essential to reducing the risks and disruptions brought by recurring inundation.

Three-part relief drive reaches families and learners

Against this backdrop, Ma-alat’s appeal brought together individual donors, organizations and volunteers to provide assistance in three phases.

The first two distributions, held on 20 and 26 September, provided food packs and clothing to 310 flood-affected families.

The third and final phase, conducted on 16 October, shifted its focus to education, with 343 learners of Frances Elementary School receiving back-to-school kits containing school essentials.

The Rotary Club of Manila Bay donated 343 school bags through President Clarence Rivera and his wife, Lady Grace Rivera; Immediate Past President Lani Sison; Past President Anna Yu; and Director Bunny Vivero. Mr. Manuel Samson of Otto Shoes also donated 348 pairs of slippers. Their contributions helped make the school-supply distribution possible, extending support to children whose families were still dealing with the aftermath of the flooding.

“You didn’t just give them school supplies; you restored their excitement and gave them the confidence to keep pursuing their education,” Ma-alat said in her message of appreciation to the donors.

She added, “With hearts full of gratitude, we thank God and our individual sponsors and donors for choosing to be His instruments of love, hope, and blessings to the families of Frances, Calumpit, Bulacan, particularly the 343 learners of Frances Elementary School.”

Ma-alat further emphasized that, “Our hope is for safer schools where children can learn without fear of floods, and for farmlands where farmers can once again cultivate their crops, restore their livelihoods, and provide for their families.

Because rebuilding communities means not only helping families recover today but also ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Community effort behind the initiative

The distribution was led by volunteers Norly Manansala and Jonel Borlongan, with assistance from Fe Centeno, Leresa De Leon, Corazon Navarro, Ulysis Navarro, Edna Walican, Noel Dela Cruz, Chona Carreon and Jovy Formanes.

The organizers also recognized the contributions of Lorena Jara Espina, Dr. Dayang Gonzales, and Dr. Jessie John Ma-alat , Dr. Jessie Jude Ma-alat Jason, John Ma-alat, Samantha Ma-alat, Amabella Centeno, Marlene Hernandez and Cherry Palaran.

Lamoiyan Corp. and Hapee Toothpaste were likewise acknowledged for their support.

Frances Elementary school principal Paulina Hilario Catacutan welcomed the volunteers, while the school’s teachers, Parent-Teacher Association and utility personnel were also thanked for helping facilitate the distribution.

For the 343 learners, the school kits represent a practical form of assistance as they continue their education despite the difficulties brought by flooding.

But beyond the supplies distributed, the initiative reflects a larger concern facing communities in Bulacan: recovery must go hand in hand with lasting solutions to flooding.