President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has set new rules on class suspensions during disasters, allowing schools to suspend face-to-face classes based on actual conditions in their areas instead of relying solely on nationwide or local government declarations.
Under Executive Order No. 130, signed on October 28, the government will adopt three ways to suspend classes and onsite work in schools: automatic suspension based on technical warnings, localized suspension declared by local chief executives, and school-level suspension based on actual risks.
Automatic suspensions will take effect once agencies such as PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issue warnings that meet prescribed safety thresholds.
If these conditions are not met, local chief executives may suspend classes based on risk assessments and consultations with concerned agencies, barangay officials and school administrators.
Schools may also suspend classes on their own if they identify an actual or possible threat to the safety and health of students and personnel. They must coordinate with their local government units and support their decision with site-specific assessments.
The order also provides rules for resuming classes and onsite work once danger warnings are lifted or suspension periods expire, subject to safety inspections.
Marcos’ order further makes clear that suspending face-to-face classes does not mean learning should stop, directing schools to adopt alternative learning arrangements whenever feasible.IMT
