Time to replace obsolete Aquino EO
First, I extend my congratulations to the PAGASA and DOST on the Bagong PAGASA website (http:// bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/) It is a significant improvement. I note that the new website has a lot of new information, but in quite scientific terms. PAGASA needs to educate and train the media and the public on what all that science means and how it all can be useful for daily decisions.
The legal basis still most often cited as authority for suspension of classes and work is the 2012 executive order of then President Benigno Aquino III.
Executive Order 66, series of 2012 is limited only to public storm warning signals of the PAGASA and to giving local government chief executives the discretion on localized suspension. (http://www.officialgazette.gov. ph/2012/01/09/executive-order-no66-s-2012/)
But storm warnings have proven to be inadequate and insufficient indicators or bases for suspension of classes and work.
I recommend to Malacanang that they use House Bill 6072 as a template for a new, updated, upgraded, and more useful EO on suspension of classes and work. The template can be updated and reconfigured by the weather scientists and disaster preparedness experts. For example, updates based on rainfall predictive models and remote river monitoring devices can serve as bases for LGUs, Malacanang, and the education agencies for declaring suspensions. Rain gauges can also be deployed nationwide to help LGUs monitor their local weather.
EO 66 is in dire need of replacement. It is obsolete and out of touch with the current realities and the emerging future.
The effects of storms are no longer what they used to be. Storms these days are more powerful and destructive. Even Signal No. 2 storms cause heavy rain and killer floods. We have more extreme weather events now than ever before because of global warming and climate change. Monsoon rains do not have storm warning signals.
Destructive effects of storms are compounded by encroachments on waterways, poor waste management, tons of non-biodegradable garbage, ongoing roadworks, urbanization, and continuing rapid population growth.
Even the guidelines of the DepEd, CHED, and TESDA are outdated. Their policies, regulations, and procedures are also limited to public storm warnings.
All too often, authorities have not been timely and accurate in their declaration of class and work suspensions or cancellations.
Widespread confusion, chaos, and disruption of peoples’ lives have frequently resulted from the lack of a rational system governing suspension or cancellation of classes and work.
HB 6072 factors in not just storms and floods, but also landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, storm surge, toxic chemical spills, fire, active shooter situations, hostage-taking, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and state of emergency. HB 6072 enables Malacanang