DepEd reminds public on class suspension

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education on Friday reminded the public of the rules of class suspension during the wet season.

This, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the onset of rainy season.

"The Department is working together with the local government units to ensure that our learners and teachers are and will be safe during rainy season," Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.

Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera said the safety of the students and teachers should be given priority.

The DepED cited Executive Order No. 66, signed by President Benigno Aquino III,  which states that "In the absence of typhoon signal warnings, 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, specifically in flood-prone or high risk areas."

The rules on automatic suspension of classes remain the same: Storm Signal No. 1 suspends classes in kindergarten; Signal No. 2 suspends classes in kindergarten, elementary, and high school; and Signal No. 3 suspends classes from kindergarten to college, including graduate schools and government offices.

Luistro also reiterated its call for community's participation in school disaster preparedness to minimize risks and ensure learners' continued access to education.

"We encourage our schools to continue to involve the students, their families, and their communities in preparing for disasters as this is an effective method in raising their awareness about risk reduction," Luistro said.