Torrential rains and winds felt in parts of Metro Manila prompted local governments to suspend public and private school classes in all levels for the second day in the interest of public safety.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the following cities in Metro Manila have announced the suspension of afternoon classes in all levels:

• Malabon City (at 12:03 p.m.)
• Marikina City (at 12:38 p.m.)
• Quezon City (at 1:17 p.m.)
• Caloocan City (at 1:55 p.m.)
• Pasay City (at 2:09 p.m.)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a yellow rainfall warning in Metro Manila, Bataan, Bulacan, and Rizal at 11:30 a.m.

Under the yellow warning, the public is warned of flooding that may occur, particularly in flood-prone areas.

The downpour of rain experienced in Metro Manila is caused by the southwest monsoon brought by Typhoon Henry, said PAGASA.

On Friday, Sept. 2, classes were suspended in the cities of Valenzuela, Marikina, Malabon, Manila, Taguig, Parañaque, Pasig, Quezon, Pasay, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa, as well as the municipality of Pateros.

Only San Juan City and Makati City did not declare the cancelation of classes on Sept. 2.

DepEd guidelines on class suspension

The local governments of the aforementioned areas based their decision to suspend classes on the Department of Education (DepEd) Order 37, series of 2022, declaring the automatic cancellation or suspension of classes based on the yellow, red, and orange rainfall warning of PAGASA.

The DepEd order (DO) was issued on Thursday, Sept. 1. A copy of the DO was made public in their official website.

However, DepEd clarified the new guidelines in Order 37 are "not yet in effect," saying it needs to first be filed in the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) of the UP Law Center and requires a "wet signature.”

The advanced copy on the website used an electronic signature, they said.

DepEd has since removed the issuance on their website.