The Department of Education reminded local offices and schools to make the necessary adjustments especially on the conduct of makeup classes as some parts of the country are bracing for two weather disturbances – typhoon “Rolly” and tropical storm “Atsani” which is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“Since we are very flexible with the learning delivery now, we will also expect the schools or Schools Division Offices to decide on the specifics of makeup classes,” DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said.
Even before the implementation of various learning delivery modalities under the distance and blended learning in lieu of in-person classes this school year, Diosdado said that local offices were allowed to implement various strategies on the conduct of makeup classes since they are in the best position to assess what is happening on the ground.
“Please note that this has been the practice in the past as well,” Diosdado said.
Makeup classes are conducted by schools to help the students catch up with the lessons that they have missed due to suspended school days. Usually, make up classes are held at the end of the school year since they are buffer days in the school calendar. However, some schools conduct makeup classes depending on the local situation.
Despite the absence of face-to-face classes due to the COVID-19 situation in the country this school year, DepEd maintained that the existing policy on suspension of classes remains the same.
San Antonio explained that “until revised,” the prevailing policy, as cited in Executive Order No. 66 Series of 2012 -- local chief executives have the authority to declare class suspension based on the situation in their areas of responsibility -- remains the same.
Automatic suspension of classes will also be implemented based on the storm signal raised. For Storm Signal No. 1, classes in kindergarten will be suspended; for Signal No. 2, classes in kindergarten, elementary, and high school will be suspended; and for Signal No. 3, classes from kindergarten to college, including graduate schools and government offices, are cancelled.
Early this week, some local chief executives suspended classes in anticipation of the disruptions brought by typhoon “Quinta” such as power interruption and Internet connectivity issues especially for students under online distance learning as well as transportation and other accessibility issues for those under printed modular learning.