Mayor Rama says no to online classes in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has opposed the proposal to temporarily shift to online classes due to the hot weather condition that is reportedly affecting the concentration of students in school.

Rama was reacting to a resolution recently approved by the Cebu City Council urging the Cebu City Division of Department of Education (DepEd) to ditch in-person classes and revert to alternative delivery mode of classes.

“Dili ko uyon nga ang eskwela ibalik og online,” Rama said.

The mayor said that without face-to-face classes, students will just be facing computers that may also tempt them to play online games.

“Sa online, kinsa may atubangon sa estudyante? Computer!” Rama said.

Whether online or offline (modules), Rama said it is the parents who are mostly answering it.

“Kinsa may mo-bright?..ang mama ug papa!” the mayor said.

“Mubarog gyud ko bahalag naay masuko,” he added.

Earlier, the City Council passed a resolution authored by Councilor Rey Gealon asking DepEd officials in the city to consider online classes during summer.

Gealon argued that going online will benefit the students, teachers, and the institution as the high heat index might be distracting the students learning.

But Rama said not all students are also living in very comfortable houses.

“Nganong di man nato paeskwelahon ang mga bata? Atong ibilin sa mga bay nga samot ka init!,” he said.

Rama believes that the best place for learning remains in school.

“The best place to be for the kids is in schools, ayaw lang sila painiti!” Rama said.

Meanwhile, DepEd-7 regional director Salustiano Jimenez said the school heads have been empowered to cancel in-person classes in extreme weather condition.

Jimenez said that schools can implement the alternative delivery mode of classes anytime they deem it necessary. All the schools have to do is inform the schools division office about the cancellation of their face-to-face classes.

“No need. They will just inform the region thru the SDO,” said Jimenez when asked if consent is needed from DepEd regional office before class cancellation can be implemented.

DepEd has reiterated the implementation of modular distance learning in schools affected by extreme weather conditions, as provided in DepEd Order No. 037, s. 2022.

The reiteration was made through OASOPS No. 2023-077 dated April 20, 2023, a memorandum addressed to all regional directors, school division superintendents, and public and private school heads.

The memorandum was issued in consideration of the learners' well-being, especially those who attend in-person classes and are affected by extreme climate conditions.

“This Office reminds School Heads of their authority and responsibility, consistent with Rule VI, Section 6.1 of DepEd Order No. 01, s. 2003 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9155, to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners' health and wellbeing at risk,” the memorandum reads. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, FPL (FREEMAN)