Unified class suspension rules pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Stakeholders from both the government and private sectors are working to establish unified guidelines for class suspensions due to poor air quality following a two-hour consultation that highlighted discrepancies in the measurements used by different agencies.

Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan said one of the key findings was that the Department of Education (DepEd) uses particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) measurements in its advisories, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) publishes Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

She said the differences in measurements and thresholds had resulted in inconsistent class suspension guidelines among local government units (LGUs).

Catalan said stakeholders hoped to finalize unified guidelines by next week to provide clearer and more consistent guidance to local authorities, although the final decision on class suspensions would remain with the mayors.

Participants also emphasized the need for timely and reliable air quality data from the DENR-EMB to guide suspension decisions.

Dr. Sheila Faciol, Provincial Health Officer II, pointed out that air quality monitoring is currently concentrated in Central Cebu, leaving limited data on conditions in northern and southern Cebu.

She said air quality could vary depending on wind direction and the location of pollution sources.

Pediatric pulmonologists, meanwhile, raised concerns about the health risks of air pollution among children, particularly those aged three to 12, whose respiratory rates are higher than those of adults.

They warned of potential long-term health effects and urged authorities to consider children up to 12 years old as a sensitive group when formulating class suspension guidelines, citing the vulnerability of their developing lungs to polluted air.

The pulmonologists said children’s lungs continue to develop until around age 12, making them particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution during this critical period.

Children also tend to touch walls and floors while playing, potentially increasing their exposure to environmental contaminants.

They added that under internationally accepted air quality classifications, an AQI of 50 to 100 already warrants attention to sensitive groups, including children.

Participants also stressed that class suspensions should be accompanied by clear guidelines on outdoor activities to ensure children’s safety.

The proposed guidelines will also consider whether different thresholds should apply to elementary and high school students, as well as the need to consolidate position papers from public and private schools.

While the consultation aims to establish a common framework, stakeholders acknowledged that air quality conditions vary across Cebu’s localities and should be considered when deciding whether to suspend classes in specific areas.

Evidence-based decisions

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has called for evidence-based and coordinated decisions on class suspensions amid concerns over air quality and its potential impact on children’s health.

Speaking during the open forum on Air Quality and Class Cancellation, Baricuatro said families needed clear information on whether it was safe for children to attend school and what air quality readings should prompt authorities to act.

“As a mother, I understand that worry,” Baricuatro said, stressing the need to carefully examine available data before deciding whether to suspend classes.

She said the forum brought together mayors and local government representatives, doctors, and partners from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of National Defense (DND), and DepEd, as well as school administrators, teachers, parents, and health and disaster officers.

Baricuatro said participants needed to establish which air quality readings should guide decisions, when these should prompt action, what precautions schools could take, and when face-to-face classes should be suspended.

“Maong kinahanglan klaro ang basihan sa atong mga desisyon,” she said.

She also acknowledged that class suspensions affect not only students but entire families, as parents must adjust their work schedules while teachers prepare alternative ways for students to continue learning.

The governor emphasized the role of mayors, in coordination with education authorities, in deciding on localized class suspensions.

“The priority here is the welfare of our children,” Baricuatro said, urging participants to work together, examine verified evidence, and ensure accurate information reaches the public.

She also called for discussions beyond class cancellations, including measures to address the sources of poor air quality and protect children from unhealthy environmental conditions.

“Our families are counting on us to make careful decisions and communicate them well,” she said. — (FREEMAN)