The Department of Education clarifies the suspension of classes guidelines during typhoons
When there is a storm signal in a particular area as declared by PAGASA, classes are automatically suspended. However, in cases where there is no storm signal, but a calamity is present; the local government unit (LGU) and not DepEd would decide and announce the class suspensions.
The Department of Education once again reminded parents to help ensure the safety of their children in the events of typhoons, flooding, and other weather disturbance and calamities.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather bulletins would determine the cancelation and suspension of classes.
Once an area is declared having Storm Signal No. 1, public and private pre-schools and kindergarten classes are suspended. Storm Signal No. 2 means public and private pre-school, kindergarten, elementary and high school classes are suspended while Storm Signal No. 3 would automatically suspend classes in all levels.
Furthermore, a storm signal warning declared at 11:00 AM would automatically suspend afternoon classes for the same day in the appropriate levels and areas.
Meanwhile, LGU officials are expected to announce suspension of classes not later than 4:30 AM for whole-day cancelation and not later than 11:00 AM for afternoon cancelation.
However, DepEd reiterates that parents should practice their discretion on determining the safety of their children when faced with typhoons, floods and other calamities, even in the absence of suspension of class announcement.
This is according to DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2012 which contains the Guidelines on the Implementation of Executive Order No. 66 (Prescribing Rules on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Government Offices Due to Typhoons, Flooding, Other Weather Disturbances, and Calamities).
