The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday, Sept. 25, announced that the new guidelines on the cancellation of classes and work in schools are now in effect.
DepEd made the announcement as the country braces for the impact of tropical cyclone Karding (international name: Noru).
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/25/explosive-intensification-karding-becomes-super-typhoon-signal-no-5-likely-to-be-raised-pagasa/
Education Spokesman Michael Poa told reporters in a Viber message that the DepEd Order No. 37 s. of 2022 or the “Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Interruptions, and Other Calamities” is now effective after it has been uploaded in the DepEd website and filed with Office of the National Administrative Registrar (ONAR) on Sept. 20.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/02/new-guidelines-on-class-work-suspension-not-yet-in-effect-deped/
Signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Sept. 1, the DepEd’s policy was issued to promote the safety and protection of learners and personnel from “unnecessary physical dangers that they may be exposed to during natural disasters and calamities.”
In the latest issuance, DepEd said that the new guidelines also aim to ensure that the “constitutional rights to life, health, safety and property” of students and personnel are always protected.
#WalangPasok guidelines
Based on DepEd Order No. 37 series of 2022, classes and work in schools are cancelled or suspended classes during a typhoon, heavy rainfall, flood, earthquake, and power outages/power interruptions/brownouts.
During a typhoon, DepEd said that in-person, online classes and work from Kindergarten to Grades 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) in all levels are “automatically cancelled” in schools situated in Local Government Units (LGUs) issued with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) 1, 2, 3,4, or 5 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
DepEd said that in-person, online classes and work at all levels are also automatically cancelled in schools situated in LGUs issued with Orange and Red Rainfall Warning by the PAGASA.
In-person, online classes and work from K to 12 and ALS in all levels are likewise automatically cancelled in schools in specific areas issued with a Flood Warning by PAGASA.
During an earthquake, DepEd said that in-person, online classes and work from K to 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are also “automatically cancelled” in schools situated in LGUs where the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) declare an earthquake with Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) V or above.
DepEd said that classes may also be suspended in areas where there are power outages/power interruptions/brownouts. “School officials can cancel or suspend classes at their own discretion,” the agency said.
Prioritize the safety of learners, personnel
In its latest issuance, DepEd underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of learners and personnel during natural disasters or calamities.
While conditions on automatic class suspension have been identified, DepEd said that schools must ensure the safety of personnel and students if TCWS (typhoon), heavy rainfall warning, flood warning, and PEIS were not yet issued but classes have already begun.
During these instances, DepEd said that schools must “immediately suspend the classes and work and send everyone home, if it is safe to do so.”
However, DepEd stressed that schools are likewise “obligated to keep the students and personnel safely in school if travelling has become unsafe.”
DepEd said that Local Chief Executives can also decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes based on the respective situation on the ground.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/01/deped-issues-new-guidelines-on-suspension-of-classes-work-during-disasters/