The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, July 21, appealed to local government units (LGUs) and the public to be more cautious and discerning when declaring or calling for class suspensions, warning that frequent cancellations contribute to significant learning loss among students.

Heavy rains and storm alerts have continued to disrupt schooling in many parts of the Philippines in recent days, prompting LGUs to suspend classes in their respective areas.

While ensuring the safety of students remains the top priority during inclement weather, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for a balanced and smart approach to class suspensions, as the country continues to grapple with post-pandemic academic setbacks.

“Marami po sa ating mga paaralan ang naaapektuhan. Malakas talaga ang ulan sa ibang lugar kaya kailangan mag-suspend, pero may mga pagkakataon na hindi naman malakas, kaya hindi na kinakailangang magsuspinde (Many of our schools are being affected. The rain is really heavy in some areas, so suspension is necessary—but there are instances when it's not that strong, so suspension isn’t really needed),” Angara said during the launch of the expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) at Sumulong Memorial High School in Antipolo City.

Angara stressed that while safety is paramount, unnecessary class suspensions—especially when rainfall is not severe—can negatively impact student performance.

“Pag sinuma-total mo 'yung mga araw na nawawala dahil sa suspensions, malaki ang dagok sa ating mga estudyante—iyan po ang tinatawag nating learning loss (If you add up all the days lost due to class suspensions, it's a serious setback for our students—that’s what we call learning loss),” he added.

Angara warned that frequent class suspensions—often due to bad weather—are contributing to worsening learning loss among students.

The proficiency deficit among Filipino learners, he said, remains “still quite significant.”

Thus, the cumulative impact of missed school days—often echoed on social media through the trending hashtag #WalangPasok—may result in serious educational setbacks.

Amid ongoing class disruptions due to inclement weather, DepEd reiterated the need to implement make-up classes to mitigate learning loss.

“Ine-emphasize namin na there must be make-up classes kasi matindi na 'yung learning loss talaga. Apektado ang bata pag masyadong maraming cancellation (We’re emphasizing that there must be make-up classes because the learning loss is significant, and too many cancellations are affecting the students),” Angara said.

He added that make-up sessions could be held on Saturdays or after school hours, depending on teacher availability and school logistics.

While DepEd closely monitors the situation, Angara clarified that the authority to suspend classes rests with local government units.

“LGUs ang nagsu-suspend, hindi DepEd (It’s the LGUs, not DepEd, that issue class suspension orders),” Angara said, stressing the importance of localized decision-making. “Sila ang mas nakakaalam sa lagay ng panahon at sitwasyon sa kanilang mga lugar (They are the ones who know best the weather conditions and situations in their areas),” he added.

With the rainy season in full swing, DepEd urges LGUs to strike a balance between ensuring safety and sustaining learning.

Angara also appealed to stakeholders to consider the long-term academic consequences before pushing for class suspensions.

“Nakikiusap din kami sa mga LGUs, nakikiusap din kami sa publiko, sa mga magulang, sa mga estudyante—huwag natin masyadong i-pressure 'yung ating local government chief executives na konting ulan, mag-suspend na tayo (We’re also appealing to LGUs, the public, parents, and students—not to pressure our local government executives to declare class suspensions over light rain),” Angara said.

DepEd said it continues to work with schools to ensure flexible learning arrangements and adjusted academic calendars are in place where needed.