The Manila Times

Baguio clarifies policy on class suspensions

GABY B. KEITH

BAGUIO CITY: The city government bases its decision on class suspensions in the Summer Capital on the rainfall forecast of Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), not automatically on typhoon signals,

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Antonette Anaban said.She also heads the secretariat of the CDRRM Council led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong that coordinates the tasks and responsibilities of its member agencies and organizations in disaster risk reduction management activities.

“The rule of thumb the city uses on class suspensions is we prioritize the safety of our school children first since due to their young age, they are the most vulnerable to get sick and lack the ability to protect themselves against the elements,” she explained.

Anaban said the Office of the President issued Executive Order 66 in 2012, prescribing rules on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices because of typhoons, flooding, other weather disturbances and calamities.

The order states, “In the absence of typhoon signals from Pagasa, localized cancelation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives as chairmen of the local DRRMC (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) concerned in coordination with Pagasa and the National DRRMC, specifically in floodprone or high risk areas.”

“Announcements will be made not later than 4:30 a.m. of the day of the intended cancellation of classes and work, or not later than 11 a.m. for suspension of work and classes in the afternoon session, through diverse mass media, particularly radio and television, landline communications and other technologies for communication within the community or locality,” it added.

During severe weather disturbances, Anaban advised the public to always be prepared and check their surroundings; to assess risks at the household level; to not leave the house for trivial matters; and to unplug all appliances if leaving the house to avoid any secondary hazards.

Regions

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2023-06-02T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-02T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/281741273804613

The Manila Times