August 9, 2007

It's that time of the year again when the Government's incompetence is excruciatingly evident. (Sigh...)

Monday afternoon, it was already raining like mad out and there were already areas that were flooded to the gutter. Tuesday was the same, with more rain pounding overhead, plus loud winds roaring.

Yesterday saw the same weather conditions, and yet the Department of Education (DepED) still insisted that classes in ALL Levels (Elementary through College) should go through. There were already a lot of flooded areas (even up to the waist!), and yet they still wanted the kids to go to school! Only after a couple of Municipal & City Mayors and Schools started to announce their own decisions suspending classes in their areas, did DepED retract their announcement! That was already 7AM! And to think, some Public Schools were already having classes! Some students were already in the streets, forcing their way to school despite the strong winds & pelting rain!

Today's weather is significantly better than yesterday's, and they decided to announce the suspension of classes in ALL Levels! How ironic! They don't suspend classes when the weather's rough, but they announce postponement of classes when the sun's out and about!

There is really no coordination in our Government's system. The DepED should always take into consideration that there are low lying areas in the Metro that are easily flooded, and that the strong winds and heavy downpour make it very hard for the majority of the commuting public, especially Students & children, to tread. With the weather seemingly getting worse even at 3AM, they should already call off classes as early as that time! Not when you're already pressured by the tons of complaints you receive from disgruntled parents!

DepED should consult with the Departments of Public Works & Highways, Social Welfare, with the Municipal & City Mayors, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as early as the night before, if the winds and rain have been continuous. It had been raining for 2 days straight, and nothing!!!

Thanks to the President, there's no classes today, even if there's no rain or strong winds out. Every year, whenever storms & typhoons arrive, this problem persists. Why do they always have to wait for the weather to be significantly worse, with children already in schools, before they call off classes! Grrr!!! Learn from your mistakes people!!! And you wonder why there are a lot of children getting sick during the stormy season?!?

Anyway, more time to lounge in my PJs... Bliss!!!