Belmonte orders review of class suspension protocols

MANILA, Philippines — Following concerns over the suspension of classes in recent weeks, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has apologized and vowed to “do better” to ensure the welfare and safety of students.

Belmonte responded to an open letter regarding the city’s decision to suspend face-to-face classes due to heavy rainfall only in the afternoon last Monday.

“Believe me, I understand where you are coming from. I know that when all is said and done, no scientific explanation or data can erase what our students experienced amid the rain and flooding. For that, I am truly sorry,” Belmonte said.

She explained the decision process last Monday when the projected occasional light to moderate rains peaked much earlier than expected and coincided with the dismissal of students in the morning shift.

“Given how unpredictable weather patterns have become, our projection was not able to capture that. We suspended afternoon classes as soon as the yellow rainfall warning was issued. Unfortunately, we failed to mitigate the situation for the students who came to school in the morning,” she said.

Belmonte said she has instructed her team to review protocols on class suspensions.

“There are days – like (Monday) – when weather conditions worsen unexpectedly. But there are also days like (Tuesday), when the forecast warned of heavy rain, but we had light drizzles instead,” she said.

Belmonte said the city would also strengthen alternative delivery modes so that class suspensions do not cost the students days of learning.

Student councils from the University of Santo Tomas also condemned the delayed suspension of classes on Monday by the Manila city government and the UST administration, leaving thousands of students stranded on campuses. –  Josiah Antonio, Andrew Ronquillo