BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has once again explained to residents the process followed by the city government in declaring class suspensions, following criticism from some students and parents regarding what they described as delayed announcements or failure to suspend classes despite heavy rain.
According to Magalong, class suspension decisions are based on empirical data from various weather sources and inputs from weather experts as well as consultations with school authorities.
He said this is not only done based on the rainfall but also considering the severity of weather conditions, potential hazards and the safety of students and school personnel.
The city is coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd), the private school\ association for basic education and higher education institutions (HEI) in assessing the situation.
According to Magallong, the city is relying more on DepEd Baguio which has established protocols under existing orders for the suspension of classes in accordance with weather conditions.
“DepEd knows better the situation of their students and infrastructures and therefore I trust their judgment, of course with due consideration to weather conditions. I am sure they will not compromise the health and safety of their students. Moreover, they have learning and safety protocols provided and followed under existing orders,” Magalong stated.
The decision is ultimately up to the Baguio City Association of Private Schools and DepEd for their own students. For HEIs, decisions are at the discretion of the university or college administrations, including consideration of weather conditions.
Magalong said all decision-makers are trying to carefully balance the safety of students with the need to maintain school days and ensure that students continue to receive face-to-face education.
“We really have to weigh things up, consider the severity of the weather and the safety of our students in relation to the importance of education. We cannot compromise the safety of students and at the same time we cannot sacrifice the value of education, so we are choosing which levels should be suspended and which levels are not necessary.”
He added that the city is considering maximizing school days whenever weather conditions allow. “To the extent possible, we want to maximize the number of school days if we can help it,” the mayor said.
Schools Division Superintendent Soraya Faculo said they are considering the safety of students as well as the quality of education they are receiving.
Faculo noted that K-12 students have lost almost 11 days of instruction since June and although they are being given activities to do, some students need guidance from adults to overcome the face-to-face teaching method.
But of course, this does not mean that DepEd will compromise their safety, which is still the priority, according to her.
