DepEd issues new changes in class suspension guidelines

In the new setup, only Kindergarten classes in affected areas are automatically suspended in case of TCWS 1 for Typhoons and Tropical Cyclones. Previously, this covered classes and work up to Grade 12 and the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

For TCWS 2, face-to-face classes for Kindergarten to Grade 10 will be suspended, but only if they will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes to ensure that learning competencies are still met.

Meanwhile, classes and work in all levels in the affected area will be automatically suspended under TCWS 3 or above.

For Heavy Rainfall and Flood, the government agency said that the suspension will depend on the Rainfall Warning signals by PAGASA.

Under Yellow Warning, the local chief executive of the area will be the one to decide whether classes will be suspended, so long as the stidents will still shift to alternative means of learning.

Classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and ALS are automatically suspended if the rainfall or flooding reaches Orange or Red Warning.

Should the warning be issued at a time when classes have already begun for the day, the school head shall immediately suspend classes and work and send everyone home if it is safe to do so. However, DepEd stressed that schools are "obligated to keep the learners and personnel safely in school if traveling has become unsafe."

In case of earthquakes, the local chief executive will decide on the suspension for intensity level V and below, but classes and work in all levels are automatically suspended in all public schools for intensity level VI and above.

For other situations, DepEd stated that there will be no automatic suspensions for power outages and extreme heat conditions. If the area is affected by low air quality or volcanic fog, suspensions can only happen in case of an emergency level issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

According to DepEd, the revised guidelines were made to "safeguard learners, teachers, and nonteaching personnel from potential harm while ensuring uninterrupted learning."

"Learners who miss learning activities due to class suspensions caused by disruptions such as disasters or emergencies resulting from natural or human-induced hazards shall be given due consideration regarding their attendance and the completion of their learning tasks," they stated.

According to data gathered by the department, the highest number of learning days lost due to suspensions came from schools in the Cordillera Administrative Region, totaling 36 since the start of the school year in July.

This was followed by the schools in the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley with 30; Central Luzon with 29; Calabarzon with 28; and Bicol Region with 23.