On August 17, a social media user pointed out that a lot of improvements can be made in Quezon City when it comes to suspending classes during bad weather conditions. They emphasized that despite weather forecasts and warnings being issued, a lot of things can still go wrong on the ground.

“I know that deciding whether or not to suspend classes is not an easy responsibility. Naiintindihan ko po na maraming factors ang kailangang iconsider—teachers, parents, school requirements, learning continuity, at marami pang iba,” the netizen wrote, pointing out that the late class suspensions make it difficult for those who are already outside their homes when heavy rains take place.

“Hindi po ako masaya sa maraming suspensions. Dahil umiiksi po ang panahon para sa discussions, naaantala ang lessons, at natatambakan kami ng napakaraming gawain. Pero mas lalong hindi po ako masaya na makitang may mga kapwa estudyante akong basang-basa sa kalsada. Sana nakikita niyo po,” he added.

In Quezon City, Joy issued class suspensions for afternoon face-to-face classes in public schools, while suspensions for private schools and higher education institutions are based on the decisions of their administrators. With the late issuance of suspensions, a lot of students and employees experienced flooding, traffic caused by the bad weather, and difficulties getting home safely.

With the points raised, the social media user kindly asked the Quezon City mayor for “better judgment, consistency, and consideration” when it comes to issuing class suspensions.

“Because the danger does not only exist while we are inside the classroom. Sometimes, the danger begins when we leave the school gates,” he shared. “Kaya sana po, when making these decisions, hindi lamang po ang sitwasyon sa loob ng classroom ang tinitingnan. Sana rin po ay maisip kung ano ang mangyayari paglabas ng students sa school at sa biyahe nila pauwi.”

The mayor then responded to the netizen’s open letter, acknowledging his concerns and frustrations about the situation.

“This is exactly the kind of discourse that we hope to see in our QCitizens,” Mayor Joy wrote. Believe me I understand where you are coming from. Alam ko that when all is said and done, walang scientific explanation o datos ang makaka-bura sa naranasan ng mga estudyante natin sa gitna ng ulan at baha. For that, I am deeply and truly sorry.”

She also explained the decision-making process that takes place before announcing class suspensions. She shared that the forecast projected that the rains would take place later in the day, but they weren’t able to anticipate that the persistent rain would occur much earlier and cause flooding.

“This experience reinforced the truth that weather has become increasingly difficult to predict. Thus, I have learned that when it comes to the safety of our students, we need to take that uncertainty very seriously and, where circumstances warrant, be more conservative in our decisions rather than leave too much to chance,” she noted.

She also assured Quezon City constituents that they will review their protocols and strengthen their alternative delivery modes so students’ learning won’t be compromised.

“Rest assured that in everything we do, we take your welfare and safety in the highest consideration. Thank you for your trust and respect. I promise that we will do better,” she concluded.

Afterwards, social media users applauded Mayor Joy for her transparency regarding the matter.

“Maganda rin na may ganitong pag-uusap. Hindi naman masama magtanong at magpahayag ng concern, lalo na kung kaligtasan ng mga estudyante ang pinag-uusapan. At least, nakinig, nagpaliwanag at higit sa lahat, handang tingnan kung ano pa ang puwedeng baguhin at pagbutihin. Hindi man mababago ang nangyari , sana may matutunan at mas maging maagap sa susunod. Safety first talaga,” one netizen wrote.

Another commented: “Yan ang mayor, nagbabasa at sumasagot sa mga queries ng constituents.”