TIME was when I would be up by 3 in the early morning and anticipate what would be of the weather that morning. I was of course delegated to make that decision every time there was a weather situation.
Time too was when we would wait for the city schools superintendent to make the announcement as kids. Hopeful that the private school will eventually make a separate announcement.
The usual protocol is for DepEd to make the decisions whenever there is no storm warning or advise from Pagasa. That was just normal. The private educational institutions would also make separate announcements if it felt that safety of its students was a concern.
I would however be asked every time other than any Juan else for such an advise or decision. I would always ask for the decision to be made by the Superintendent but then in our conversation by phone the decision will eventually be made by me. Even school administrators would call me up early in the morning to ask for some advice. In the end it will just be me. A call will be made to the radio stations afterwards.
Whatever the decision, there is always some reason for some Juan to not like whatever decision is made. It was impossible for any Juan to submit to any decision. Be it a suspension or not, there was still some negative feedback.
Worse indeed for any Juan especially the mayor for a decision to be made when there is no storm. Worse to if it was a Friday or a Monday. Worst was last Tuesday after a long weekend and every Juan hoping more for an extension from the holiday last Monday.
Worse I say because the decision solely lies on just one person and without any scientific data or storm announcement. It’s easy when there’s a storm as every Juan will just have to follow protocol. In a storm, LGU’s just follow whatever announcement is made. In some cases it will even shine and there’s no weather disturbance. Still we follow protocol.
A monsoon is the worst case scenario as there is really nothing that should affect any schedule, be that for work or students in school. Here lies the problem. Many parents feel some decision has to be made. When there is none, they speak out as if they know what happens with the weather. Unfortunately they CANNOT make a decision in their discretion. They will find blame. In all cases it is always the fault of the Mayor.
Worse are the children who think that they are all entitled to get an affirmative decision in their favor. No School is what they pray for. Either they did not finish an assignment or project or cancellation for an upcoming quiz. All reasons will be for not going to school. The Mayor to save them if ever.
In the end, whatever happens there will still be some disappointment as it was not in their favor. They will be disappointed the whole day and rant to their parents for going to school and their wishes destroyed. It is supposed to be a school day anyway. A make up on a Saturday surely.
I never saw any Juan complain during the weekend. I highly doubt that even during a storm but on a weekend that they will stay at home. But when it is school time all the reasons to not go is made.
It was difficult when even I made an announcement I would still be in the “hot seat” because Benguet Province went ahead of me. Really? Just because of that. In fact many would even bet who went ahead whether it was me or Governor Fongwan at that time. Ridiculous. And it made people talk about it over radio.
Glad I am that there was no Facebook then. Glad however too that today there is. Facebook does share information swiftly. The smartphone indeed is a very important tool I never had at that time. Today all Juan needs is to check the weather on an App. In fact my iPhone does have its own weather button and for a whole week. Even if I was out of town, I still would have had some help in determining a forecast for Baguio. A forecast that is. Nothing sure.
Today there is just no suspense. Yes there’s nothing that will tell me of what won’t happen because I will be aware of anything even before tomorrow comes. Same as parents all that is needed by Juan is to just check. Every Juan has a smartphone nowadays. It is impossible to be inutile and not knowing.
A monsoon is what it is. Sometimes I would rather have a storm in a day or two then it is over with. But sorry for monsoons are what it is. It takes days or weeks like what we are experiencing today. Do not fret, it will come to pass. It always will.
Remember too that many others, jeepneys drivers, carinderias, school personnel especially will still have to be working or in school despite a suspension. The lowly driver will lose his keep for the day. Food in cafeterias will suffer also from a suspension. So please think about them too.
Parents allow me to share that most accidents happen when parents are away at work and children alone at home. In school rest assured that your children will be taken cared for. A lesson too for suspending school in the middle of the day. In some cases like in Metro Manila the school takes discretion for children to remain in school instead of going home. Provisions will also be assured and given. Most malls would now allow for Juan to remain in the mall, even overnight, with basic provisions given.
To the scions of these parents, if you don’t want to go to school just ask mom or dad. Less the suspense. At night ask for mom and dads’s discretion. I say scions because you are spoiled and too entitled to not just go to school in the rain. And if some parent here feels that they can rant, remember this, it is at your discretion if your kids should go to school or not. Enough of the drama and suspense, scions.