President Marcos Considers Granting DILG Suspension Power
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is currently reviewing a proposal to grant the head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the power to suspend classes during tropical cyclones and other disasters. This move aims to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of class suspension decisions amid the rainy season.
The suggestion came from DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who believes that giving the DILG chief this authority could expedite the announcement of class suspensions and better protect students. The exact four-word keyphrase “power to suspend classes” appears early in this discussion, highlighting the main topic.
Palace spokesperson Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the proposal is still under study. “As of now, the President has no official response on Secretary Remulla’s suggestion. It will undergo careful review, and if deemed beneficial to the public, a decision will be made,” she said during a briefing.
For the time being, the existing system remains unchanged. Local government units (LGUs) will continue to hold the responsibility for declaring class suspensions within their jurisdictions.
Local Leaders Urged to Act Swiftly on Class Suspensions
While the proposal awaits approval, President Marcos urged local officials to promptly declare class suspensions during adverse weather conditions. This call aims to prioritize the safety of students as the rainy season brings frequent storms and heavy rainfall.
Secretary Remulla emphasized his experience as a former Cavite governor, stating that his background in local governance and disaster management equips him to make timely decisions. “When I was a governor, I memorized all terrains in my area, so I knew how people could reach me,” he said in an interview. “With that knowledge, we could announce class suspensions earlier by anticipating rain patterns and flood-prone areas using geohazard maps.”
Current Class Suspension Policies Explained
At present, LGU heads hold the authority to suspend classes during emergencies. Additionally, the President or the Executive Secretary can order class suspensions nationwide or in specific locations when necessary.
Class suspensions automatically occur based on the level of tropical cyclone warning signals issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Heavy rainfall warnings also influence whether classes are canceled.
Moreover, school administrators retain the discretion to cancel classes if conditions warrant it, ensuring flexibility in protecting students’ safety.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Authority and Responsiveness
The proposal to give the DILG chief the power to suspend classes reflects a push toward faster, more coordinated disaster response. However, officials remain cautious, weighing the benefits against current systems that empower local leaders closest to affected communities.
As the review continues, stakeholders hope for a solution that balances centralized decision-making with local insights to enhance public safety during calamities.
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