De La Salle University - Manila

Issues/Concerns

Letter of Request by Ms. Yolanda Yao to use Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory as Holding Area during typhoons.

Date: 15 September 2007

To: Dr. Carmelita Quebengco
Chancellor, DLSU-Manila

From: Ms. Yolanda A. Yao
President, DLSU-PUSO

RE: Request for Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory as the Students' Holding Area

It has been sometime since we heard disheartening stories from our children who experienced many inconveniences and discomfort due to typhoon Egay last August 17, 2007 which caused heavy rains and floods. As parents, we can't help but sympathize with them when they were asked to leave the campus at the height of the typhoon because CHED has declared no more classes for the day. More so for the students who braved the typhoon (CHED announced late) only to be refused entry in the campus because the school was already closed.

Based on this experience we have seriously considered the idea of having a holding area inside the campus for our students to stay while awaiting some weather improvements or for their families to pick them up. This way we are assured that they are in a safe place.

Putting everything into consideration, may we suggest the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory to serve this purpose since it is the most accessible place to enter and leave the campus as well as the most conspicuous place to be seen from the outside.

We understand the university policy that the campus is closed when declared so by CHED. But we appeal to your kind consideration of this said policy for situations like the acts of God or force majeure. We sincerely believe that our school is the beacon of help and refuge to our students in situations such as these.

It is now an appeal of parents to another parent whom we know understands our concern and love to our beloved children.

Thank You.

Dean, Student Affairs

Response from the University Chancellor

To: Academic Community

From: Dr. Carmelita Quebengco
Chancellor, DLSU-Manila

Re: Holding Area in the Event Classes Are Suspended Due to Typhoons

The danger our students have to face when going home immediately after classes are suspended during typhoons is a major concern of the University.This being the case, in the event that classes are called off in the future due to force majeure, e.g. heavy rains/typhoons, flash floods, and classes are suspended at a time that students are already inside the campus or are on their way to DLSU, we are designating the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory as holding area where they can wait to be picked up by their parents or drivers, or for the situation to improve. The Marilen Gaerlan conservatory is the most suitable area on campus where the students can be accommodated.

It is also near both the north and south exits of the University.

Please be guided accordingly.

Thank you.