By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya clarified the timeline behind the suspension of classes and government work in the city, following questions from netizens on the perceived delay of the announcement yesterday.

Gasataya said the advisory from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) declaring the suspension across Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, appeared on social media before 5:40 a.m.

“Personally, I saw the post on the social media account of the DILG secretary. I immediately asked Atty. Marty Go to verify with DILG on social media because in a sensitive matter such as declaring suspension of classes, validation is necessary,” the mayor said.

Gasataya added that after confirmation from the local DILG office, the city government officially declared the suspension of classes and government work at around past 6:00 a.m.

The mayor stressed that while the DILG can issue advisories, local chief executives also have the authority to declare suspensions based on their own weather assessments.

He further said should the announcement have been made earlier, the city government would also have declared the suspension of classes immediately.

The city government announced a suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools yesterday as a precautionary measure due to persistent heavy rains and the threat of flooding.

However, all disaster response units, essential services and public safety offices will remain active and on alert to address any emergencies.

Gasataya’s clarification came after some parents and students criticized the late announcement, which they said caused confusion.

He assured the public that the city government prioritizes both the safety and accuracy of information in weather-related advisories./CJ, WDJ