DepEd seeks early announcement of class suspension

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has urged local government officials to announce suspension of classes during inclement weather as early as 5 a.m.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali said local government units (LGUs) have been given the responsibility to declare class suspensions in their respective jurisdictions during heavy rains and flooding under Executive Order 66.

Umali said students and their parents should not wait for an official announcement from DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education on the suspension of classes.

Under EO 66, which was signed by President Aquino on Jan. 9, 2012, classes shall be automatically suspended, without need for announcement from the school or DepEd in the following situations:

Classes in the pre-school level are automatically suspended when Signal No. 1 is raised by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Classes in the pre-school, elementary and secondary levels are automatically suspended in areas where Signal No. 2 is raised.

When Signal No. 3 or higher is raised by PAGASA, classes in pre-school, elementary, secondary and tertiary levels, including graduate school as well as work in all government offices shall be automatically canceled.

In the absence of typhoon signal warnings, the suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives, the EO said.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the community’s participation in disaster preparedness to minimize risks and ensure the students’ continued access to education.

“The department is coordinating with LGUs to ensure that students and teachers are safe during the rainy season,” Luistro said.

“We encourage school officials to continue to involve the students, their families and the community in preparing for disasters as this is an effective method in raising their awareness about risk reduction,” he added.