Manila, Philippines- The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded the public that the decision to suspend classes when there are no storm signals falls under the various local government units (LGU).
“The government recognizes the need to streamline the procedure in suspending classes,” says Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC, adding that those “on the ground” will have a better assessment of the local situation.
In June 13, classes in the University Belt Manila has been suspended due to heavy rains that caused knee-deep flooding. Situation wass triggered only by the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat).
Last week, typhoon Emong entered PAR and brought heavy rains and thunderstorms over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Executive Order No. 66 s.2012 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino states “In the absence of typhoon signal warnings from PAGASA, localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives, as chairmen of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) concerned, in coordination with PAGASA and the NDRRMC, specifically in flood-prone or high risk areas.”
Under the EO, announcements “will be made not later than 4:30 AM of the day of the intended cancellation of classes and work, or not later than 11:00 AM for suspension of work and classes in the afternoon session, through diverse mass media, particularly radio and television, landline communications and other technologies for communication within the community or locality.”
However the rules on automatic suspension of classes remain. Storm Signal No 1 suspends classes in kindergarten, No 2 in elementary and high school, and No 3 in college, including graduate school and government offices.
“The government recognizes the need to streamline the procedure in suspending classes,” says Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC, adding that those “on the ground” will have a better assessment of the local situation.
In June 13, classes in the University Belt Manila has been suspended due to heavy rains that caused knee-deep flooding. Situation wass triggered only by the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat).
Last week, typhoon Emong entered PAR and brought heavy rains and thunderstorms over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Executive Order No. 66 s.2012 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino states “In the absence of typhoon signal warnings from PAGASA, localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives, as chairmen of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) concerned, in coordination with PAGASA and the NDRRMC, specifically in flood-prone or high risk areas.”
Under the EO, announcements “will be made not later than 4:30 AM of the day of the intended cancellation of classes and work, or not later than 11:00 AM for suspension of work and classes in the afternoon session, through diverse mass media, particularly radio and television, landline communications and other technologies for communication within the community or locality.”
However the rules on automatic suspension of classes remain. Storm Signal No 1 suspends classes in kindergarten, No 2 in elementary and high school, and No 3 in college, including graduate school and government offices.
