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Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies

On December 23, 2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, providing comprehensive guidelines for class and work suspension during disasters and emergencies. This order reaffirms DepEd’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel while emphasizing the importance of learning continuity during such events.

Key Highlights of DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024

1. Rationale

DepEd upholds its dual mandate of safeguarding the welfare of learners and personnel while maintaining academic continuity. This policy recognizes:

  • The vulnerability of disaster-prone areas.
  • The necessity of adopting flexible learning modalities, such as modular or online learning, during in-person class suspensions.
  • The importance of balancing safety and academic progress.

2. Scope

The guidelines are mandatory for:

  • All public schools.
  • DepEd-operated Community Learning Centers under the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Private schools and educational institutions under state or local universities may choose to adopt these guidelines.

3. Policy Statement

The guidelines aim to:

  • Protect the physical, psychosocial, and academic well-being of learners and personnel.
  • Provide interventions to mitigate disruptions caused by disasters.
  • Clearly outline roles and responsibilities of local chief executives (LCEs), school division superintendents (SDS), and school heads.

Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities and those with special needs, to ensure tailored support during emergencies.

When and How Classes Are Suspended

The order categorizes potential disasters and emergencies and outlines specific actions for each:

A. Typhoons and Tropical Cyclones

  • Based on PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS):
    • TCWS #1: Automatic suspension for Kindergarten classes.
    • TCWS #2: Automatic suspension for Kindergarten to Grade 10 classes; schools must shift to distance learning modalities.
    • TCWS #3 or higher: Automatic suspension of classes and work at all levels.
  • If a TCWS is announced mid-day, schools may dismiss learners and personnel early, provided it is safe to travel.

B. Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

  • Class suspensions depend on PAGASA’s rainfall or flooding warnings:
    • Yellow Warning: Localized decisions by SDS or LCEs.
    • Orange or Red Warning: Automatic suspension of classes and work.
  • Schools are required to implement learning continuity plans during suspensions.

C. Earthquakes

  • Suspension decisions depend on intensity:
    • Intensity VI and above: Automatic suspension of all classes and work.
    • Intensity V or lower: Localized decision by LCEs, SDS, or school heads.
  • Post-earthquake structural assessments are mandatory before reopening.

D. Power Outages

  • No automatic suspension, but prolonged outages (exceeding half a school day) may warrant localized suspensions if conditions become unsafe or uncomfortable.

E. Extreme Heat

  • No automatic suspension; localized suspensions may be declared if conditions become unbearable.

F. Low Air Quality or Vog (Volcanic Fog)

  • Suspensions depend on air quality levels:
    • PM 2.5 levels >91: Automatic suspension.
    • PM 2.5 levels 55.1–90: Localized suspension based on LCEs’ discretion.

G. Other Emergencies

  • For other calamities not explicitly mentioned (e.g., fires, chemical spills), school heads can suspend classes in coordination with the SDS and LCE.

H. Localized or Granular Suspensions

  • School heads may declare suspensions due to specific localized conditions, such as:
    • Torrential rains, flooding, or landslides.
    • Unsafe buildings after disasters.
    • Persistent power outages or poor air quality.

Responsibilities of Key Stakeholders

  1. Local Chief Executives (LCEs):

    • Authorized to declare localized class suspensions.
    • Must coordinate with SDS and school heads.

  2. School Division Superintendents (SDS):

    • Oversee the implementation of localized suspensions.
    • Ensure schools adopt appropriate learning continuity plans.

  3. School Heads:

    • Assess local conditions and decide on suspension when necessary.
    • Notify SDS and submit quarterly reports on class suspensions.

  4. Personnel Providing Emergency Services:

    • Essential personnel must report to maintain operations during emergencies.
    • Compensation for emergency duties follows existing guidelines.

Ensuring Learning Continuity

To minimize academic disruptions:

  • Schools are required to shift to distance learning, modular tasks, or make-up classes during suspensions.
  • Learning Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) must be in place to address disruptions.

Conclusion

DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, represents a proactive and flexible approach to disaster preparedness and response in schools. It ensures that the safety of learners and personnel is never compromised while maintaining opportunities for uninterrupted learning. By empowering local stakeholders and leveraging alternative learning methods, DepEd demonstrates its commitment to holistic education even in the face of emergencies.

For more details, visit the DepEd website or consult with local education offices.


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