The local government unit of Mangaldan, Pangasinan led by Mayor Bona Fe de Vera Parayno convened key officials and representatives from public and private schools regarding the last few weeks of SY 2024-2025, focusing on the guidelines on suspensions especially this season wherein extreme heat is being experienced and anticipated.
Municipal Administrator Atty. Teodora Cerdan, co-facilitated the said consultative meeting and discussed that it was called in order to personally discuss with the concerned school officials, principals and representatives their respective sentiments as well as their recommendations.
The group led by Public Schools District Supervisors of Mangaldan I and II Dr. Minerva Serafica and Dr. Jerome Paras relayed their appeal if possible to hold morning classes, especially that the school year is about to end and the learners are to undertake critical examinations such as the National Achievement Test (NAT), among many other requirements.
Parayno stressed that while she sincerely understands the concerns raised, she asserted the critical mandate that is upon her to ensure the safetyof the learners, educators and the general public who are at high risk if exposed to extreme heat.
“We will continue with the cancellation of the face-to-face mode of learning once DOST-PAGASA releases a forecast or report that the heat index is at 42 degrees and up.”
The lady mayor affirmed her decision to continue with the cancellation of the face-to-face mode of learning once DOST-PAGASA released a forecast or report that the heat index is at 42 degrees and up which is at the Danger and Extreme Danger categories.
She encouraged the supervisors, principals and school representatives to activate the learning continuity plan so as not to disrupt the learning process of the students.
“Once a school decides to push through with the face-to-face classes, the public or private school head concerned must notify the Office of the Mayor, along with a waiver stating that they assume responsibility and accountability for any untoward incident that may arise.”
To arrive at a compromise, Parayno stated that once a school decides to push through with the face-to-face classes amidst aforementioned conditions, the public or private school head concerned must notify the Office of the Mayor, along with a waiver stating that they assume responsibility and accountability for any untoward incident that may arise.
The school heads committed to comply if the need arose and mentioned that they are also in close coordination with their respective parent-teachers association (PTA).
In case they push through with their proposed morning classes, Serafica stressed that safety protocols are being carried out such as ensuring that the learners are well hydrated, rooms are ventilated and school nurses/first aiders are on standby.
Chief Admin. Officer Helen Aquino, Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Officer (MDRRMO) IV Rodolfo Corla, Admin. Officer IV Christian Palma and Admin. Officer IV/PIO Designate Janice Abrogar Guarin were also present at the meeting.
