LGUs Still Have Power to Suspend Classes Amid Weather Threats
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has reaffirmed that local government units (LGUs) still hold the authority to suspend classes. This clarification comes amid questions about centralized decisions on class suspensions during extreme weather events.
On Monday, the Presidential Communications Office confirmed that Secretary Remulla was authorized to announce class suspensions on behalf of the Cabinet and the Palace. However, in a DZMM interview on Wednesday morning, Remulla emphasized that the power to suspend classes has not been removed from LGUs.
“We get the whole-of-country approach on our end. The latest satellite weather, amount of rain, saturation on the ground, all data points are with us,” Remulla explained. He added that while LGUs have a granular view of their local conditions, the DILG’s approach is science-based, relying on comprehensive data to identify areas facing the greatest danger nationwide.
Science-Based Decisions Complement Local Insights
Remulla stressed the importance of combining local observations with scientific data. “They do see the situation on the ground better than us. But, our approach is science-based and we have an approximation of where the greatest threat of danger is in the whole Philippines,” he said.
Based on his experience as Cavite governor, Remulla noted that the DILG typically issues class suspension announcements by 4 p.m., allowing enough time for coordination and public information dissemination.
Heavy Rains Prompt Widespread Suspensions
On Wednesday, classes and government work were suspended in Metro Manila and 36 provinces due to continuous heavy rains. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has forecasted that torrential rains will persist until Friday, driven by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Depressions Dante and Emong.
When asked if class suspensions would continue throughout the week, Remulla responded, “We take it one day at a time.”
Weather Updates on Tropical Depressions
In its 11 a.m. cyclone bulletin, Pagasa reported that Tropical Depression Dante was located 900 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) with gusts reaching up to 80 kph, moving north-northwestward at 15 kph.
Another bulletin at 11 a.m. indicated that Tropical Depression Emong was last spotted 115 kilometers west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts up to 55 kph, moving west-southwestward at 35 kph.
These weather disturbances contribute significantly to the ongoing heavy rainfall affecting the country.
Conclusion
Despite the DILG’s broader coordination role, local government units remain empowered to suspend classes based on their assessment of the situation on the ground. This dual approach aims to balance scientific data with local realities to ensure public safety during severe weather events.
For more news and updates on class suspensions, visit Filipinokami.com.
