Baguio Councilor Edison Bilog is pushing for clearer rules regarding class suspension.
Bilog said, “Well, for me, first: We will coordinate with DepEd, and if there’s a possibility, with principals, to declare suspension of classes in their schools. Second: We request school administrations to declare the suspension at the earliest possible time if the mayor has not yet suspended classes. The mayor, because of his workload, might not be able to foresee the need to suspend classes at respective levels.”
The city was drenched from torrential rains from the Southwest Monsoon on Monday, July 28, with schoolchildren suffering the brunt of staggered announcements from City Hall.
Initially, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong suspended classes only until kindergarten in a public announcement made via the Baguio Public Information Office the night before, July 27.
On the morning of Monday, July 28, a belated announcement was made for a class suspension until 6th grade, but pupils were already out of the house en route to school, earning the wrath of the public anew.
Earlier at 1 PM, Magalong again extended the announcement of suspension until senior high school, with students already drenched from the rains that barreled the city.
“The DepEd Baguio initially recommended suspending classes from Preschool through Grade 6. However, due to persistent inclement weather, DepEd, in coordination with Mayor Magalong, has decided to suspend classes from Preschool up to Senior High School,” the announcement read.
Magalong, known for his data-driven decisions, has always advocated to maximize the school calendar, basing class suspensions on weather bureau forecasts.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has issued an Orange rainfall warning for the entire province of Benguet, which warns of severe rains, floods, and landslides.
Bilog said, “Third: Request PAGASA to forward their rainfall warning to the office of the City Mayor so it can be a basis for whether or not to suspend classes. If there is a necessity and it will be valid, we will pass an ordinance on this matter,” adding that a consultation with concerned agencies will follow.
Magalong has since issued a class suspension for Tuesday, July 29, until Senior High School. Maria Elena Catajan
