The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman on Tuesday, October 27 issued its own guidelines on class suspensions for stormy weather during remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This comes after Typhoon Quinta disrupted online classes in the country last week and just before two new weather disturbances are forecast to hit the Philippines.
In a memorandum dated Tuesday, UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo listed down the University’s instructions regarding class suspensions depending on the prevailing Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) over the “students’ place of residence or where they have chosen to participate in synchronous or asynchronous classes.”
Online synchronous classes at UP Diliman will be cancelled during TCWS Nos. 1 and 2 due to expected issues with internet connectivity and power services because of the storm.
“The faculty is requested to be lenient to students especially from affected areas and exercise flexibility in submitting requirements by postponing submission deadlines” during Storm Signal No. 2, the memorandum added.
In cases wherein the TCWS hoisted over a student’s current address is at No. 3 or above, both synchronous and asynchronous classes in the University will be suspended. Nemenzo urged faculty members to postpone the submission of requirements for TCWS No. 3 and above.
Earlier this month, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced the onset of the La Niña phenomenon in the country which is associated with above normal rainfall conditions.
“Based on the latest forecast, weak to moderate La Niña is likely to persist until the first quarter of 2021,” the state weather bureau added.
Pagasa had earlier warned the public of around five to eight tropical cyclones to enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility during the period.