Classes at all levels in private and public schools in several cities in Metro Manila were suspended on Monday, November 18, after Metro Manila was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 due to Super Typhoon Pepito.
In the eastern portion of Metro Manila, the Mandaluyong and Marikina local governments declared the suspension by DepEd Order No. 37, Series of 2022, which states that during natural disasters or calamities, classes in public schools are automatically suspended in areas under the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA's) Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals (TCWS) 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Meanwhile, the local government of Pasig said the suspension of classes at all levels in private and public schools in the city on Monday, will be based on the presence of a TCWS over Metro Manila as of 4 a.m.
“Sa pagkakataong may TCWS sa Metro Manila bukas ng 4:00 A.M., awtomatikong suspendido ang pasok sa mga paaralan sa Pasig (If a TCWS is in effect for Metro Manila at 4 a.m. tomorrow, classes in Pasig schools will be automatically suspended),” it said.
Last November 11, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto reminded students and school personnel not to wait for a local announcement of class suspension when Signal No. 1 or higher has already been raised in Metro Manila, as this automatically means that classes in all levels are suspended in the city.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/12/areas-placed-under-signal-no-1-suspend-classes-automatically-mayor-vico
Sotto explained the existing Executive Order No. PCG-48, series of 2024, which localizes the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 37, series of 2022.
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 PAGASA.
The mayor added that if a typhoon or heavy rainfall occurs but no red or orange rainfall warning is issued, school principals have the authority to cancel or suspend classes in their jurisdiction if they deem the conditions unsafe for students and staff.
The Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela and Quezon City local governments also declared the suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private schools.
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar also suspended the classes at all levels, both in public and private schools, as she said that they prioritized the safety of students, teachers, and residents going to school during the typhoon.
Residents are advised to be alert and check the city government for announcements and weather conditions.
According to PAGASA's 5 p.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 is raised in Metro Manila, in which “minor to moderate impacts” from gale-force winds are possible.
The typhoon is expected to exit the Luzon landmass by Sunday evening or early Monday, Nov. 18. It may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday morning or noon.
Read more: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/17/pepito-makes-2nd-landfall-in-aurora