Elementary, HS classes in NCR suspended

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday ordered a cancellation of classes at the elementary and high school levels in Metro Manila because of heavy rains, but apologized for issuing a late announcement. Interviewed on dzMM radio, Education Undersecretary Vilma Labrador said that, "We've suspended classes in the elementary and high school levels. (State weather forecasters) reported that the rain would continue today." Education and local government officials were caught napping Wednesday morning as floods inundated several parts of Metro Manila, failing to decide whether to suspend classes or not. By the time several city governments announced the suspension of classes in their respective areas, it was past 6 a.m. and students had already trooped to school. "It's up to the parents if they will allow their children to go to school. The ultimate responsibility is with them, and we will respect that," Education Department Metro Manila officer-in-charge Rizalino Rosales said in Filipino on dzBB radio. GMA News reported Wednesday morning that education or local government officials in following places have ordered suspensions of classes: Manila City (public elementary and high schools); Caloocan City (public and private elementary and high schools); Taguig City (elementary and high school); Navotas City (elementary and high school); Muntinlupa City (elementary and high school); Antipolo City (all levels). Saint Mary's College in San Juan; Pail and Shovel Child Development Center in Cubao, QC; Republic Institute in San Andres, Manila; Little House of Learning in Tondo, Manila; Learning Tree in Cubao, QC; Carlos Lanting College in QC; Philippine Buddha Care Academy in QC; Basic Education Unit at the San Beda College in Rizal; Lourdes School in QC; Filinvest II Ideal Montessori School in QC; MGC New Life Christian Academy in Taguig City; Saint Therese School in Las Piñas; and elementary classes in BF QC Holy Spirit in Quezon City. Radio station dzRH reported that city governments of Malabon City, Las Piñas City, Mandaluyong City have also announced suspension of classes. Some schoolchildren were seen going to school with raincoats but wearing slippers because of the early morning floods. On the other hand, dzBB radio reported parents of students in Villamor Air Base Elementary School in Pasay City were fuming as their children already left home by the time it suspended classes. The parents reportedly tried to call up the school before dawn Wednesday but no one answered the phone. The school reportedly announced suspension of classes past 6 a.m. - GMANews.TV