LAGUNA Governor Sol Aragones clarified reports from an online media outlet claiming that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) did not advise her to suspend face-to-face classes across the province
GovernorAragones affirmed that the suspension of face to face classes in Laguna until the end of October was a proactive decision made in the interest of public safety, not based on a directive from any national agency.
The governor made it clear that the collective decision wasvarrived at during an earlier meeting with the DepEd, provincial health officials and the engineering and disaster agencies of the provincial capitol, with the strong support from the parents.
The Governor emphasized that the province’s action is part of a proactive disaster preparedness initiative that includes a province wide assessment of school buildings and public structures to ensure their resilience against potential earthquakes.
In a hastily-called meeting with the mayors on Wednesday to discuss earthquake preparedness, the local executives fully supported the governor’s initiative.
Aragones said she will stand by her decision to temporarily suspend face to face classes to allow local governments, engineers, and DRRM officers to conduct safety inspections and structural evaluations across all municipalities. “Tatayuan ko po hanggang dulo ang aking desisyon na dapat suspendehin ang klase face to face sa lalawigan ng Laguna,” she said.
The Provincial Government earlier formed a Crisis Management Team to coordinate contingency planning, safety checks, and response readiness throughout the province.
Aragones reiterated that the temporary suspension is a preventive and precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding lives.
The provincial government appreciated efforts of other media entities in getting reactions from authorities to get proper context of the stories.
The provincial capitol urged media platforms to combat misinformation and disinformation.
The office of the governor is always open to discuss matters at hand.
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