ANGELES CITY — The Schools Division of Angeles City and the Association of Government Employees for a New Dynamic Angeles City (AGENDA) have come to the defense of Mayor Carmelo “Jon” B. Lazatin II amid online criticism surrounding the city’s decisions on the suspension of face-to-face classes during the recent inclement weather.
Schools Division Superintendent Edgard Domingo appealed to netizens to be more discerning and responsible in their use of social media, particularly when commenting on decisions involving the safety, welfare, and education of students.
According to Domingo, Mayor Lazatin was, in fact, among the first local chief executives within the Schools Division of Angeles City to announce the suspension of face-to-face classes as conditions warranted.
Domingo stressed that weather-related decisions are never easy, as local officials must carefully balance weather forecasts, actual conditions on the ground, the safety of students and school personnel, and the impact of class suspensions on learning and the wider community.
“Hindi po madaling timbangin ang mga ganitong desisyon. Iba-iba ang aktuwal na sitwasyon sa bawat lugar, at mahalagang tingnan ang kabuuang larawan bago magdesisyon,” Domingo said.
The Schools Division Superintendent also noted that Mayor Lazatin regularly provided updates through social media while closely monitoring weather developments and the actual situation in the city.
“Ang bashing ay hindi nakatutulong. Mas makabubuti kung magiging mapanuri tayo sa mga impormasyon at mauunawaan natin na ang mga desisyong may kinalaman sa kaligtasan ng ating mga estudyante ay hindi basta-basta ginagawa,” he added.
Domingo likewise cited the recent position of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which has raised concerns over unnecessarily broad or prolonged class suspensions because of their adverse impact on learning and educational outcomes.
EDCOM 2 has emphasized the need to avoid blanket suspensions whenever conditions allow for more targeted or localized approaches, recognizing that every lost day of in-person learning adds to the challenges already confronting the education sector.
This, Domingo said, underscores why local chief executives must carefully weigh every decision involving class suspensions. While the safety of learners and school personnel remains paramount, officials must likewise consider the consequences of unnecessarily wide-scale or prolonged disruptions to education.
He noted that weather conditions vary from one locality to another.
Some areas experienced flooding before subsequently suspending face-to-face classes, while other flood-prone localities opted for granular suspensions based on actual conditions in affected communities.
“Hindi po maaaring pare-pareho ang desisyon sa lahat ng lugar dahil hindi rin pare-pareho ang aktuwal na sitwasyon,” Domingo stressed.
Meanwhile, AGENDA also defended Lazatin, saying it is unfair to judge the mayor solely on a single decision while overlooking the many responsibilities he carries as the city’s chief executive.
The employees’ union said the suspension of classes is only one of the many concerns that the mayor has to address on any given day.
“Maagang dumarating si Mayor sa City Hall at gabi na kung minsan ay nandito pa rin siya, sinusubukang matapos ang mga kailangang tugunan para sa araw na iyon. Hindi po makatarungan na basta na lamang husgahan at i-bash ang isang lider na araw-araw ay nagsisikap para sa maayos na pamamahala,” the group said.
AGENDA further pointed out that not everyone favors the suspension of classes, as prolonged disruptions affect not only learning but also the livelihoods of various sectors.
Transport workers, including jeepney and tricycle drivers, as well as small and medium enterprises and other businesses located near schools, are among those affected whenever face-to-face classes are suspended.
“Marami rin ang umaasang may pasok dahil nakasalalay dito ang kanilang arawang kita. Kaya bawat desisyon ay kailangang pag-isipang mabuti,” AGENDA added.
The group also noted that Angeles City is not generally considered a flood-prone city, making it important for authorities to assess actual conditions on the ground rather than rely solely on weather or flooding situations in neighboring towns and cities.
According to AGENDA, governance—especially during rapidly changing weather conditions—often requires difficult decisions that cannot always please everyone.
Both the Schools Division of Angeles City and AGENDA appealed to the public to exercise restraint, fairness, and responsibility online. They stressed that constructive criticism is always welcome, but personal attacks and unfounded bashing do little to help address the real challenges faced by the community.
The post DepEd Angeles, Employees’ Union Defend AC Mayor Amid Online Criticism Over Class Suspension Decisions first appeared on Pampanga News Now.