DepEd suspends classes on July 16

Another long weekend is coming.

Classes in all levels, both in private and public schools, have been suspended on July 16 because of the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections the day before, education officials announced yesterday.

Education Secretary Raul Roco initially ordered the suspension of elementary and high school classes in private and public schools on July 16 to give public school teachers, who will act as election officers, a day to rest.

"It will give time for the teachers to rest and prepare for classes the following day. Classrooms are also being used as polling precincts on the 15th," Roco said.

After Roco’s order, the Commission on Higher Education followed suit and declared the suspension of classes in all colleges and universities.

CHED executive director Roger Perez said they have decided to suspend classes to allow students to go home to their provinces and vote. "The class suspension will enable our students not only to vote but also to assist in the elections," he said.

Malacañang earlier declared that July 15 a non-working and no-class holiday.

Because of the elections, Roco also ordered public and private schools to hold make-up classes to meet the required 205 class days this school year.

"I encourage the youth, in particular, all public and private high school students, to go out and vote and help monitor the elections in their areas," Roco said. — Sheila Crisostomo