MANILA, Philippines – DepEd has once more reminded the public on the guidelines for the suspension of classes. The automatic suspension of classes without formal announcements from DepEd ,or authorized parties, applies under the following circumstances:
• When Signal No. 1 is raised by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), classes at the preschool level shall be automatically suspended in all public and private schools.
• When Signal No. 2 is raised, classes at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels shall be automatically suspended in all public and private schools.
• When Signal No. 3 is raised, classes in all levels are automatically suspended.
If the area is affected even without storm signals, then the school principal, the division superintendent, or the local government officials could decide. This is because, according to DepEd, these persons are aware of the existing condition in their specific areas.
Parents should take note, however, of this statement from DepEd:
“The final decision to let the child go to school or not is left with the parents. Local suspension and parental decision are allowed since parents and officials on the ground have a better idea about the situation in their areas.”
If you are a school administrator, and you think you would endanger your students by following the established guidelines, think again. What applies as a blanket rule may not apply to your area; an example is when your location is a low lying area. Likewise, if you are parent, your child’s safety should be your primary concern.
Be aware of these guidelines for the suspension of classes so you would know what to do in circumstances like these.
