DepEd issues revised guidelines for class suspensions
With the habagat season underway, the Department of Education has released revised guidelines on the suspension of classes due to inclement weather and other emergencies.
Under DepEd Order No. 14 series of 2026, there is now a levels-based decision-making system that guides schools and community learning centers in determining appropriate learning priorities and responses based on the circumstances experienced by teachers and learners.
It has four levels in total, namely, Hayo (Continue), Hinay (Ease in), Hinga (Check-in), and Hinto (Stop).
Hayo is where learners and teachers are "physically safe, emotionally regulated, and cognitively ready to engage in sustained learning." Schools are mandated to continue regular in-person teaching and learning activities.
The second level, Hinay, happens when there are "minor to moderate disruptions to in-person classes" that cause learners to experience "mild stress or uncertainty." Routines are disrupted, and access to learning spaces or support at home is uneven.
Under this stage, learning continues, but is "intentionally slowed down to lessen pressure on teachers and learners." Teachers may engage learners through online synchronous classes, digital modules, broadcast materials, print modules, or learning packets.
On the other hand, Hinga is when learners experience "heightened stress due to the impact of emergencies, crises, or disasters." Because of this, academic demands are "heavily reduced and well-being is prioritized." Instructional activities focus on physical, psychological, and social-emotional well-being.
Teachers invite learners to use broadcast materials, learning packets, check-in guides, and other trauma-informed, simplified learning resources. Classes are focused on reviewing concepts from the previous lessons.
The last level is Hinto, which is where the learners' safety and basic needs are "at risk" and where distress or displacement is "highly likely" due to "extremely unsafe conditions within the community or family." Academic learning is halted completely.
DepEd stated that the policy will be enacted once the school head, local chief executive, or other relevant government agencies declare a suspension. School heads shall exercise sound professional judgment in determining the level of learning continuity during class suspensions.
Nevertheless, parents or legal guardians still retain the ultimate responsibility for determining whether their children should attend classes in consideration of their circumstances during disasters and calamities. This applies even if no order for suspension of classes has been issued.
According to DepEd, the new policy was made in order to prioritize the safety of its stakeholders while ensuring that learning continues.
"DepEd balances the need for protection with the goal of preventing learning loss. This is especially important for indigenous peoples, marginalized groups, including young women, refugees, learners from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and learners with disabilities," the guideline read.
The policy applies to public elementary and secondary schools and DepEd-operated CLCs, as well as DepEd-recognized alternative learning system providers.
The agency noted that the levels may be updated in the future due to the unpredictability of climate change and its impact, as well as other unforeseeable national emergencies.
