Netizens Question DILG Messaging Style on Class Suspensions
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) messaging style on class suspensions has sparked strong reactions online. Many netizens criticized the agency’s use of a casual, meme-like tone when announcing class and government work suspensions amid severe flooding in Metro Manila and other regions.
As heavy rains inundated streets and displaced families sought shelter, the DILG chose to relay crucial information through social media posts that some described as inappropriate given the gravity of the situation. This messaging style, while aimed at being lighthearted, was seen by many as out of place during a crisis.
Casual Announcements Amid Calamity Stir Backlash
On Monday afternoon, the DILG used its official Facebook page to announce suspended classes in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The agency even admitted to a delayed announcement, describing the government as “lousy” for not acting sooner.
“Mga Abangers, Lousy kami sa gobyerno kahapon. Dapat kagabi pa lang, inunahan na namin ang delubyo,” the post read. (We were lousy in government yesterday. We should have acted ahead of the calamity last night.)
Following this, the DILG posted another update in a chat-style format regarding class suspensions in Laguna. This informal presentation further irked netizens who questioned the appropriateness of such communication from a government office.
One commenter urged, “DILG Philippines, I hope this FB page can be used in a more formal manner. This is the Facebook page of a government department, after all.” Another added, “I find this post inappropriate for a government office. We expect communication that reflects integrity and professionalism. Casual messaging can undermine public trust.”
Historical Context and Continued Criticism
It is notable that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, formerly governor of Cavite, has used a similar messaging style during his previous term. Despite the backlash, the DILG maintained this tone in subsequent posts.
On Tuesday, the agency again used informal language, saying, “Mga Abangers, Sarap ng bogchi ko. Sa kabusugan ay nakaidlip nang sandali. Oh, eto na inaabangan ninyo,” before listing areas with suspended classes and government work.
Public figures like Jake Ejercito and Jessy Mendiola joined thousands of commenters in expressing disapproval. Ejercito remarked, “There’s a time and place for trying to be funny— this isn’t one of them,” while Mendiola questioned, “Is this supposed to be funny?”
Another user lamented, “Call me OA, but people are suffering, some are losing homes and loved ones. And yet, others act like everything’s perfectly fine, as if nothing’s happening. I hope we can be more mindful with our choice of words next time.”
Official Response and Disaster Impact
Inquiries made to the DILG and Malacañang led to a statement from Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez. He said that announcements on class suspensions during disasters would now come directly from Secretary Remulla.
Earlier this month, Remulla had requested authority from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to streamline declaring class suspensions during tropical cyclones. He argued that centralizing this power under the DILG would improve coordination with local governments during emergencies like floods and typhoons.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name: Wipha), the southwest monsoon (“habagat”), and a low-pressure area caused six deaths and left eight people missing as of July 22.
For more news and updates on class suspension messaging, visit Filipinokami.com.
