DepEd reiterates guidelines for class suspensions during typhoons

MANILA, Philippines – During typhoons, classes in affected areas are automatically suspended based on storm signals declared by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

But in the absence of storm signals, it is the local government units (LGUs) – not the Department of Education (DepEd) – that decide whether or not to suspend classes.

DepEd reiterated this policy to guide parents and help ensure the safety of students in the event of typhoons, flooding, other weather disturbances, and calamities.

The decision to suspend classes is based directly on the weather bulletins of the state weather agency.

Automatic cancellation

Classes in affected areas shall be automatically cancelled or suspended once PAGASA raises the following storm signals:

Storm signal warnings declared by PAGASA at 10 pm, and at 4:30 am of the following day, will affect the cancellation and suspension of classes for the whole day in appropriate levels in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, storm signal warnings declared by PAGASA at 11 am will automatically cancel or suspend the same day’s afternoon classes in the appropriate levels in the affected areas. 

In the absence of storm signal warnings, local government officials are expected to make their announcements not later than 4:30 am for whole day cancellation or suspension of classes, or not later than 11 am for afternoon cancellation or suspension of classes.

Parental discretion remains key 

DepEd also called on parents to practice their discretion in determining whether their children should go to school during typhoons, flooding, or natural calamities, even when suspension announcements have not yet been made.

This is in accordance with the DepEd Order No. 43, series of 2012, which contains the guidelines on the Implementation of Executive Order No. 66. It prescribes rules on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices during inclement weather and natural calamities. – Rappler.com