The president of the Parent-Teacher Association Federation of Bacolod City expressed concern over the safety of public and high school students, who will participate in the “Jam Steps” activity on Sunday at the old Bacolod Airport, following an earthquake that hit Bacolod City Monday.

PTAFBC president Pastor Arsenio Maglasang yesterday said that during a meeting Wednesday with their board of directors who represent the different elementary and high schools in the city, they decided to ask for the deferment of the activity considering that there are still aftershocks being felt that might cause panic to the students.

“The situation is still unpredictable and the students might be caught in a stampede if an earthquake recurs,” he said. To prevent any accidents they hope that the activity will be deferred, he added.

Magsalang said they were not informed earlier about the “Jam Steps” activity. They only learned that the students will provide their own attire and their parents are being asked to sign waivers, he said.

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod had earlier approved a resolution inquiring from Education Secretary Armin Luistro, who and what office sanctioned that the “Jam Steps,” be compulsorily conducted and performed by all public school students, pupils and teachers in Bacolod City.

Authored by Councilor Homer Bais, chairman of the SP Committee on Education, the resolution is also inquiring from Luistro if there are circulars or memoranda issued requiring students and teachers to participate in the activity.

Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. had said this is a privilege they are giving the children that they will become positive influencers of a healthy lifestyle in their age. “We should advocate a healthy lifestyle and it should start with the children,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Pamela Rojane Candido, who led a team from Bacolod City paid a call on Guihulngan Mayor Ernesto Reyes yesterday.

The Bacolod City Government sent a fire truck to Guihulngan Wednesday with 10 personnel and various relief goods from its Bacolod Cares program. The fire truck was deployed to Brgy. Poblacion, Plaridel in the town.

A report from the Office of the City Fire Marshall said aftershocks can still be felt in Guihulngan, composed of 33 barangays, since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Oriental Negros Monday. The area has no electricity and people are in need of water and food, it said.*CGS

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