DepEd to LGUs: Balance safety and learning in class suspension decisions
DepEd urges LGUs to strike a balance between safety and learning when suspending classes, recommending periodic reassessment to prevent prolonged disruptions and ensure learning continuity. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, October 14, urged local government units (LGUs) to exercise balance and prudence when suspending classes, stressing that while ensuring public safety is paramount, prolonged suspensions may disrupt learning and hinder students’ development.
In a statement released by Media Relations Division Chief Dennis E. Legaspi, DepEd said it respects the authority of LGUs to suspend classes in the interest of public safety.
“However, this responsibility must be exercised with balance and prudence,” DepEd said.
The department emphasized that every decision to suspend classes should reflect not only concern for the safety of students and school personnel but also a strong commitment to maintaining learning continuity.
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“While caution is important, extended suspensions can disrupt learning and affect students’ development,” DepEd said. “Every decision should reflect both care for safety and commitment to learning continuity,” it added.
To address disruptions caused by class suspensions, DepEd said it will coordinate with its Schools Division Offices to deploy alternative delivery modes for affected learners.
“We will ensure that learning continuity is prioritized at all costs,” DepEd added.
DepEd also encouraged local governments to “periodically reassess” the necessity of continued class suspensions, ensuring that safety measures are maintained without unnecessarily interrupting the educational process.
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