Continuous suspension as well as the resumption of classes and work will be up to the local government units (LGUs), the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Wednesday, July 27.
DepEd made the statement after a strong 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila on Wednesday morning.
The agency stated that suspension and resumption of classes and work will be at the discretion of local chief executives in their capacity as chairpersons of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC).
DepEd offices and schools heavily affected by the earthquake are suspended as declared by their local government units, in accordance with DepEd Order No. 014, series of 2021.
"Department of Education (DepEd) is one with the nation in praying for the safety and welfare of the Filipino people amidst the magnitude 7 earthquake in Abra," the agency said.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has already activated Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) teams to monitor and respond to the situation, including the provision of Psychological First Aid to affected personnel and learners.
In a press conference, DepEd Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said that they are monitoring the situation and they have received initial reports of cracks in school buildings in Abra and Vigan.
So far, Poa said that there were no reported injuries among the DepEd staff, teaching personnel as well as the learners.