DepEd to public: LGUs suspend classes sans storm signals

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education on Friday reminded the public that the decision to suspend classes when there are no storm signals falls under the jurisdiction of various local government units.

"The government recognizes the need to streamline the procedure in suspending classes," Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.

He added that those “on the ground” will have a better assessment of the local situation.

The Executive Order 66 signed by President Benigno Aquino III states that “In the absence of typhoon signal warnings from Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives, as chairmen of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council concerned, in coordination with Pagasa and the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council), specifically in flood-prone or high risk areas."

However, the rules on automatic suspension of classes remain. Storm Signal No. 1 suspends classes in kindergarten, No. 2 in elementary and high school and No. 3 in college, including graduate school and government offices.