Malabon City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete clarified on Tuesday, August 27, the procedure for suspending classes during heavy rainfall and other calamities that affect the city.
Malabon City Administrator Alexander Rosete (Photo from Malabon City Government)
According to Rosete, the city’s Central Command and Communication Center takes various factors into account when recommending class suspensions.
These include high tide, the potential for low-pressure areas, typhoons, and the northeast and southwest monsoons that might bring heavy rains to the city.
“Prayoridad po natin ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral, magulang at mga guro tuwing may malakas na ulan, bagyo, at iba pang kalamidad. Kaya tayo ay nagdedeklara ng pagkansela ng klase sa lahat ng antas sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan dito sa lungsod (Our priority is the safety and well-being of students, parents, and teachers during heavy rains, storms, and other calamities. That's why we declare the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the city),” he said.
“Ang ating pagsususpinde ng klase ay may sinusundang batayan ng lungsod at tinitignan natin ang iba’t ibang dahilan. Kaya ating hinihikayat ang mga Malabueño na manatiling nakatutok sa ating mga social media pages upang maging updated sa mga anunsiyo ukol sa mga kanselasyon ng klase tuwing may pag-uulan o baha man sa lungsod (Our decision to suspend classes follows the city's established guidelines, considering various factors. We encourage Malabueños to stay tuned to our social media pages to stay updated on announcements regarding class cancellations during heavy rains or flooding in the city),” Rosete added.
Meanwhile, the Malabon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) recommended suspending classes in all levels on Tuesday to protect residents from potential flooding caused by heavy rain that morning, even though the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Association (PAGASA) had not issued any specific weather warnings for the city.
This recommendation was made by City MDRRMC Resolution No. 005-2023, which outlines guidelines for canceling classes and work in local government offices during typhoons and other emergencies.
The resolution aligns with the Department of Education’s guidelines.
According to the resolution, the Office of the City Mayor is responsible for deciding on class suspensions during heavy rain when no official warning signals are in place.
It added that if PAGASA issues an "orange" or "red" rainfall warning, or any level of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS), all in-person and online classes are automatically canceled.
The MDRRMO also stated that if PAGASA places the city under an "orange" or "red" rainfall warning or any TCWS, all in-person and online classes are automatically canceled.
It added that if a weather warning is issued after classes have started, school administrators are required to cancel classes and send everyone home.
However, schools must keep students and staff safe if traveling home would be dangerous.
The city’s Central Command and Communication Center operates around the clock, using various types of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, including pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), bullet, traffic, dome, and speaker tracking cameras, to monitor the situation.
All pumping stations are fully operational, and the city government has coordinated with authorities to repair the Tanza River Navigational Flood Gate and the Dampalit Flood Gate.
The initiative aims to prevent severe flooding from affecting city roads and neighborhoods.
“Tayo po ay laging handa sa tuwing mayroong bagyo o kalamidad na inaasahang makakaapekto sa ating lungsod. Kaya ating hinihikayat ang mga Malabueño na makipag-ugnayan sa atin upang ating masigurong ligtas ang bawat isa sa oras ng pangangailangan (We are always prepared for any storm or calamity that may affect our city. We encourage Malabueños to reach out to us so we can ensure everyone's safety during times of need),” Rosete said.