By JM Samidan-Baguio PIO

 

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong asked for understanding amid public clamor for the declaration of class suspension in view of incessant rains being experienced in the past days brought about by monsoon rains or ‘habagat.’

He said the new circular from the Department of Education No. 22, series of 2024 on class and work suspension puts decision-making to school heads and school division superintendents during heavy rainfalls.

“Under the DepEd circular, it appears that the school’s division office is to recommend for class suspension to the local government unit during heavy rainfalls,” Magalong said.

The challenge now for DepEd is for them to be adept at analyzing weather forecasts including rainfall.

“Hindi ganun kadali na magkansela ng klase at nasanay ang mga tao na si Mayor ang nagdedesisyon at mag-analyze ng data. This time, I leave it to DepEd based on their order,” he said.

The mayor monitors at least seven weather forecasting platforms and had to call the school division office as well as heads of universities to confer before deciding on class suspension.

“The latest announcement on class suspension should be made by 10PM because from my personal perspective, it would be hard for the student to prepare if the announcement is made late at 6AM.”

The mayor also awaits recommendations from the members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) prior to suspension of classes during inclement weather conditions.