Last week, we experienced monsoon rains, causing mostly minor inconveniences in Dumaguete, although there were floods in some towns, particularly south of Negros Oriental.
One by one, local chief executives came out with Executive Orders suspending the holding of classes in all levels. Well, that did not really prevent the students and pupils from going out of their homes as many of them instead went to the mall or entertainment centers.
The weather phenomenon called La Niña is forecast to bring more rains in our neck of the woods, and the increasing tendency of local chief executives to suspend classes at the mere forecast of monsoon rains could actually be detrimental to students’ education.
While safety concerns are understandable, excessive class suspensions hinder learning progress.
Add to the monsoon rains, the Philippines faces an average of 20 storms each year, and frequent interruptions to education can lead to significant learning gaps, putting students at a disadvantage.
Suspending classes due to the threat of rain often becomes a knee-jerk reaction, even when conditions do not warrant it.
Instead of repeatedly resorting to this approach of cancelling classes, local governments must explore alternatives to ensure continuous learning.
Holding online classes instead, which gained traction during the pandemic, can be reactivated during inclement weather. This ensures that students do not fall behind, even when physical attendance in school is not possible.
Additionally, LGUs can prioritize infrastructure and logistics that ensure the safe transportation of children to and from school. Providing shuttle vehicles, improving drainage systems, and ensuring safe school routes are measures that can mitigate the need for widespread class suspensions.
While safety is essential, education should not be sacrificed. Local officials must balance these priorities to ensure students continue to learn, rain or shine.
