Are the recent class suspensions by LGUs reasonable? THE LEGAL MIND By Joseph Noel M. Estrada THE MANILA TIMES LOCAL chief executives have become even more active in suspending classes in their respective localities, in both public and private schools, this time because of the recent series of earthquakes and the rise of influenza-like illnesses in certain areas in the country. Some cities and municipalities that are unaffected have also started to suspend in-person classes as a precautionary measure. In Laguna, a province-wide suspension of all in-person classes in all public and private educational institutions is being implemented from Oct. 14 to Oct. 31 to allow for the checking of the integrity of the school building. While local governments have the power to promote the general welfare of their constituents and enjoy local autonomy, this does not mean they are completely independent from the central government. As the Supreme Court held in many cases, local autonomy does not mean the creation of a sovereign within a sovereign. Local governments operate within the framework of national laws and policies, being interdependent with the national government and subordinate to its authority.Local autonomy does not mean decentralization of power but decentralization of administrative functions. Local governments remain agents of the national government. To enable the country to develop as a whole, the programs and policies effected locally must be integrated and coordinated toward a common national goal. Thus, policy-setting for the entire country still lies with the president and Congress.That includes education. With the disruption in learning significantly contributing to the learning losses and crisis that our country is still grappling with, the Department of Education must reassert its authority over the governance of basic education from the local chief executives. The governance of basic education is primarily vested by law in the Department of Education. It exercises reasonable supervision and regulation of schools as mandated by the Constitution. The Secretary of Education is the alter ego of the president. At the very least, the Secretary of Education should be consulted by local chief executives before taking actions that have a far-reaching impact on students’ learning and, consequently, their future.Aside from DepEd, other relevant agencies must also be consulted. While the recent suspensions appear to be reasonable as they address an emergency in anticipation of the “big one,” Phivolcs has already explained that there are no scientific studies that can predict the exact date and period of earthquakes aside from estimates. The agency also cautioned about creating panic in the public. The Department of Health has also confirmed that there is no outbreak of flu, cough, fever, or other respiratory diseases, which were just usual seasonal illnesses. Ironically, while schools remain closed, malls have begun implementing extended operating hours on school days. Disruption leads to declining student interest Meanwhile, a study commissioned by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) shows that class disruptions lead to a substantial decline in learning among students, and that learning loss linked to school closures is primarily driven by declining student interest, rather than incomplete curriculum coverage or ineffective learning modalities.Class suspension does not equate with preparedness With the frequent flooding and the anticipation of the “big one,” we must demand more from our government, both local and national, regarding preparedness and contingency plans. Class suspension alone does not constitute disaster preparedness. We must insist on tangible actions from our government to protect the public and our children in case of disasters or emergencies. Class suspension is not mutually exclusive from other safety measures. Supporting continuity of education does not mean compromising the safety of our children. It is about raising the standard of public service and discourse, especially since ordering suspension of face-to-face classes is the easiest and quickest action for politicians and is popular with voters. A week has passed since the class suspensions. Are we more prepared now? If the only emergency response we have is suspending classes, then we face an even bigger problem as a country.