'Class suspension system complicated'

WITH several local government units getting criticized for confusion over suspension of classes, National Capital Region (NCR) mayors' council president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said that there is «room for improvement.»

The Metro Manila Council is composed of 16 cities and a lone municipality. It is the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Zamora said that local government units (LGUs) have been given authority to declare class suspensions if needed, but these are based on state weather bureau PAGASA's forecasts.

On the other hand, under the Department of Education rules, the school heads may also call for a suspension of classes or shift to alternative learning during calamities, power outages, and similar situations.

But for Zamora, the current system is complicated. He added that the LGUs have to base decisions on PAGASA forecasts, and on local conditions.

"[T]andaan po natin, iba-iba po ang sitwasyon dito sa Metro Manila, depende na po yan sa judgment at discernment ng mga mayors po natin base po sa local terrain nila (Remember that localities within Metro Manila have different situations, let the mayors decide on class suspension)," Zamora said. He cited the City of San Juan, where his personal policy is to err on the side of caution.

«I would rather be conservative and suspend rather than wait… in any possibility of flooding or downpour, I would rather suspend classes rather than be sorry later,» Zamora said.

PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said that they issue a weather bulletin as early as 5 a.m.