Classes were suspended at all levels last July 27 because of tropical depression “Juaning”. Well, in NCR. But I received a text message that morning that classes were also suspended in our area, that is, in Laguna.
Students as they go home after suspension of classes
We are used to these suspensions because our country is in the tropical area of the globe. If other countries have cyclones, tornadoes, snow and sand storms, well, typhoons, is our ‘thing’ and it seems that the Filipinos are used to dealing with it.
After the day of cancellation, I heard a news about a bill being revived by Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla for the class opening to be changed from June to September.
Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mercado-Revilla said about 19 to 20 typhoons visit the country every year beginning June up to September. Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com
The reason is that there are typhoons hitting the country during the beginning months of our school year. In addition:
“As much as 25 to 30 days are subtracted from the school calendar, as recorded in the previous years and could have been prevented if classes start on the later part of the year,” Mercado-Revilla said. Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com
Due to these suspensions, it was said that students are deprived of the quality education they need because of the number of days deducted if there are cases as such.
On one side, we could say that the change of the school months would somehow lessen the number of days taken away from the learners. The months April and May would be the best months for outdoor activities and programs of the school, and students could be prevented from diseases brought about by the unpredictable weather since students are said to be “not waterproof”.
On the other hand, the said two months are the summer months of the country. The months when festivals, family vacations, “holy week,”summer workshops, among others, are held. Filipinos are known to be “family oriented” and students are said to be relaxing at these months with their families. If approved, I think most people would react to the change since we are used to the previous educational system.
There are a lot of things to consider about this matter. Whatever will be the outcome, whether this will be pursued or not, I hope the results would still benefit the students.
So, what do you think? Will it be June or September?
