Typhoons and Storm Signals: Whose responsibility is your child's safety?
For almost two weeks now, weather has been inclement and there have been several floodings reported everywhere. News agencies have classes suspension as part of their broadcast almost everyday. Surely, most students are excited to hear that part.
On social media sites though, feeds have been flooded with announcements of class suspension from local government units. You also won't miss posts of parents or students wanting to know if school's out. On most posts about announcements, there's always a comment that will make you raise a brow. I remember when Quezon City (Philippines) announced that classes will be held despite cancellations from other municipalities, netizens were outraged. It went so low that comments implied they now know who to vote on the next elections. Like, seriously? Your vote depends on who cancels the classes or not? Sorry, but that's just absurd.
Today, most classes got suspended again because heavy rains went on all night. Weather app says though that weather will be fairer than last night. And, true enough, I was able to dry out my laundry because the sun came out.
Although the heavy rains stopped at dawn, it brought floods to most streets in the metro. A viral video came out showing how flooded the streets of Makati are. And, how irresponsible the local government of that city is for not cancelling classes.
Identity blurred out to protect the uploader. Screen caps from Facebook.com
Really? The blame is on the local government? How?
First of all, this is the suspension guidelines.
There is no storm signal announced but due to typhoon Inday that has not made land fall within PAR yet, monsoon rains are being experienced. As the clippings above mentioned, sure it is the LGU's authority.
But, do you really have to rely your safety on LGUs? Aren't we wise enough to decide for ourselves? Will you survive if you always have someone to base your actions from? It is our own responsibility to keep ourselves safe.
And besides, it is the day and age of google. Who else hasn't seen this Executive Order? (Executive Order 66, S 2012. DO 43, S. 2012 – GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 66 (PRESCRIBING RULES ON THE CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF CLASSES AND WORK IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES DUE TO TYPHOONS, FLOODING, OTHER WEATHER DISTURBANCES, AND CALAMITIES))
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Jonah