QC bares guidelines for suspension of classes, gov’t work

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte. INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government on Thursday issued its guidelines for the cancellation of classes and government work.

Under the Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2019, Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC) will undertake a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) for expected typhoons which will become the basis for the cancellation of government work and classes.

The PDRA will rely on the latest weather updates and advisories of state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The government authorized QCDRRMC to announce its decision by 4 a.m. on the day of the intended cancelation but in case of extreme weather changes during the day, the declaration of suspension must be made no later than 11 a.m.

For typhoon signals, the government will cancel classes immediately as per Department of Education Order No. 43-2012.

Suspension of classes in primary, secondary and senior high school must be prioritized while cancelation of classes for college level and graduate school will be upon the discretion of the school’s administration.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded the public that only the government’s Public Affairs and Information Services will release official announcements for suspension of class and government work in the city.

“Announcement will come from QCDRRMC and PAISD [Public Affairs and Information Services Division] [and they are] the only authority that can put out that news,” Belmonte said in a statement. /jpv