Schools snub order, hold classes

CEBU, Philippines - After sparking online discussions for not suspending classes despite the typhoon, the University of the Philippines Cebu management insisted on its “independence” as far as classes are.

In a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page, school authorities explained why they decided not to cancel classes despite the order made by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

“Chancellors (in Cebu, the UP Cebu Idea) have authority to decide motu propio based on own assessment of local conditions whether or not to suspend work in offices or classes or based on LGU decisions, as provided for by a standing memo of CHED on suspension of classes. Malacañang may also declare suspension of work,” said UP vice president Noy Amante.

UP Cebu cited five reasons why it decided to proceed with the holding of classes even when Rama ordered the suspension of classes in all levels of private and public schools.

UP argued that this week is scheduled for final examinations under the university’s new academic calendar, which starts in August instead of June.

Improving weather condition was likewise mentioned, with PAGASA’s bulletin excluding the city in the list of critical areas as it was only listed under public storm warning signal number 1.

The dynamics of UP as a state academic system was likewise cited.

“We are independent and under the UP Code/charter. The authority to cancel classes in UP Cebu, aside from the UP president, is solely vested with the dean, unless authorized. The dean of UP Cebu is given chancellorial functions as approved by the Board of Directors in its 1266th meeting held on 27 January 2011,” read a portion of the statement.

The FREEMAN tried to interview UP Cebu Dean Liza Corro but her office staff referred the paper to the online post as the school’s official statement.

On imposing sanctions against UP Cebu over its obstinacy, Department of Education (DepED)-7 Director Carmelita Dulangon said they currently do not have regulatory rules on private schools.

“Our public school officials follow official declarations…(but) we have no guidelines regarding sanctions for private schools,” Dulangon said.

Meanwhile, although Cebu Doctors University located at the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku was reported to have also ignored the order.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes supposedly ordered the suspension of classes in all levels for both public and private schools yesterday.

Roger Paller, Mandaue City public information officer, told reporters that the City Legal Office will send a letter to Cebu Doctors University officials asking them to explain why they did not heed the mayor’s order not to hold classes

Also, Paller said the thousands of families evacuated from their houses Friday afternoon in 27 barangays of Mandaue City returned to their respected houses shortly before noon yesterday.

Records at the Mandaue City Command Center disclosed that 4,501 families comprising 26,899 individuals, who are living in coastal communities of the city, were evacuated from their homes in anticipation of the typhoon.

Paller said the city-owned vehicles and barangays used in transporting the evacuees.

Cortes also ordered City General Services Office personnel to make sure that the different public elementary and high school classrooms used as evacuation centers are already properly cleaned before students to school today.  (FREEMAN)