Gov't agencies drafting circular on suspension of classes

Manila, Philippines - Government agencies are drafting a joint agreement in the implementation of the suspension of classes even without storm signals in compliance with President Aquino's directive to ensure safety of the general public.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are among the government agencies involved in the joint agreement.

The agreement is entitled "Manual of protocols and procedure for the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices and its lifting thereof in Metro Manila during inclement weather conditions without storm warnings."

Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero earlier said local officials have been instructed to suspend classes during typhoons not later than 4:30 a.m. for morning sessions and not later than 11 a.m. for afternoon classes.

Panadero said that under signal No. 1, classes in the pre-school level would be automatically suspended while during signal No. 2, classes in the pre-school, elementary and secondary levels are automatically suspended.

In signal No. 3, classes in all levels as well as work in some government offices would be suspended.

Panadero said students and government workers must be informed ahead, not when they are already in schools and offices.

DILG-National Capital Region director Rene Brion said there were some officials in the barangay level still apprehensive about accepting the responsibility of declaring the suspension of classes in their areas of jurisdiction.

Brion said more dialogues will be held as part of the effort to enlighten barangay officials on their tasks, which would save lives of students during inclement weather.

"Our barangay officials are empowered to make announcements. This is a localized issue, which covers only 10 square kilometers, it will change within two hours," Brion said.

The President issued Executive Order 66 after local officials in Metro Manila failed to make the necessary announcement after heavy rains flooded some areas in the metropolis.

The EO provides that in the absence of typhoon signal warnings, localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives as chairmen of the local disaster units.

Meanwhile, the 17 city and municipal mayors of Metro Manila and other local officials met yesterday for a forum on disaster preparedness and climate change.

Dubbed as "Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation," the one-day affair spearheaded by the DILG was held at the SMX convention center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Aquino graced the forum that was also attended by Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.