DepEd Warns Against Prolonged Class Suspensions

Photo courtesy of PhilStar

The Department of Education (DepEd) has urged local government units (LGUs) to reconsider prolonged suspensions of face-to-face classes, emphasizing potential disruptions to student learning. This warning follows Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones' decision to halt in-person classes across the province from Oct. 14 to 31 amid earthquake concerns. DepEd highlighted the necessity of balancing safety with educational continuity.

Although DepEd acknowledges the authority of LGUs to suspend classes for safety, Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis Legaspi advised careful consideration. "Extended suspensions can disrupt learning and affect students’ development," Legaspi stated, encouraging periodic assessment of the necessity for continued suspension. Legaspi also confirmed that DepEd will work with schools to provide alternative learning solutions.

Previously, the United Nations Children’s Fund had highlighted a learning crisis in the Philippines, with many students lagging in reading and mathematics. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol pointed out that earthquakes cannot be predicted, stressing reliance on current data when making suspension decisions. Despite the suspension, the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) requested exceptions for essential classes requiring physical attendance.

Similar measures are taking place in Rizal, where face-to-face classes are suspended from Oct. 14 to 17 due to rising flu-like illnesses. Rizal Gov. Nina Ynares emphasized the shift to modular distance learning to protect health amid the flu surge. Concurrently, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) asked for a "health break" for teachers, citing challenging conditions such as overcrowded classrooms and insufficient resources.

To address these challenges, DepEd has fortified its collaboration with Phivolcs, aiming for data-driven class suspension decisions. Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for science-based decisions rather than fear-driven responses. The collaboration includes training programs for building assessments and a proposed DepEd command center for disaster monitoring.

DepEd Order 22, s. 2024 outlines that class suspension decisions fall to local executives, based on Phivolcs' advisories and local conditions. Learning continuity plans, such as modular or online education, should be activated during preventive suspensions.

Key Takeaways

• DepEd cautions against long class suspensions for education continuity.
• UPLB requests exceptions for essential in-person academic activities.
• DepEd collaborates with Phivolcs to ensure safety and informed decision-making.

Click here for more Philippine stories

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-10-15