1. Typhoon
In-person, online classes and work for Kindergarten to Grade 1 to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are automatically cancelled in schools situated in Local Government Units (LGUs) issued with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) 1,2,3,4 or 5 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
If the TCWS is issued at a time when classes have already begun, the school shall immediately suspend the classes and work and send everyone home, if it safe to do so. However, schools are obligated to keep the students and personnel safely in school if travelling has become unsafe.
Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes in cases where there are strong winds in specific or all areas of the LGU but is not issued a TCWS.
2. Heavy Rainfall
In-person, online classes and work for Kindergarten to Grade 1 to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are automatically cancelled in schools situated in Local Government Units (LGUs) issued with Orange and Red Rainfall Warning by the PAGASA.
If the Warning is issued at a time when classes have already begun, the school shall immediately suspend the classes and work and send everyone home, if it safe to do so. However, schools are obligated to keep the students and personnel safely in school if travelling has become unsafe.
Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes if their LGU is issued a Yellow Rainfall Warning by PAGASA or in cases where there are torrential rains in specific or all areas of the LGU but is not issued an Alert by PAGASA.
3. Flood
In-person, online classes and work for Kindergarten to Grade 1 to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are automatically cancelled in schools in specific areas issued with a Flood Warning by the PAGASA.
If the Flood Warning is issued at a time when classes have already begun, the school shall immediately suspend the classes and work and send everyone home, if it safe to do so. However, schools are obligated to keep the students and personnel safely in school if travelling has become unsafe.
Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes where there is flooding in specific or all areas of the LGU but is not issued a Flood Warning by PAGASA.
4. Earthquakes
In-person, online classes and work for Kindergarten to Grade 1 to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are automatically cancelled in schools situated in Local Government Units (LGUs) where the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) declare an earthquake with PHILVOCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) V or above.
Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes in cases where the PEIS is IV and below.
School Principals can cancel classes at any Intensity Scale if in their assessment, building and other structures are seen to be in danger of collapsing or is found to have major damage.
The School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Team Head should clear the return of students and personnel in buildings and other structures.
5. Power Outrages / Power Interruptions / Brownouts
There will be no automatic cancellation or suspension of classes in the event that there are power outrages / power interruptions / brownouts in schools. If power outrages / power interruptions / brownouts have resulted to poor learning environment, school officials can cancel or suspend classes at their own discretion.
6. Adjustment to Learning Delivery Due to Suspension / Cancellation of Classes
In the event of cancelled or suspended classes, modular distance learning. performance tasks, projects or make up classes shall be implemented to ensure that learning competencies and objectives are still met.
In adherence to the provision of DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2021, learners who miss learning activities due to class suspensions brought about by various disruptions like disasters and/or emergencies due to natural or human-induced hazards shall be accorded due consideration in their attendance and the completion of their learning tasks.
Responsibility of Parents or Guardians
The DepEd still maintains that parents or guardians have the ultimate responsibility for determining whether their children should attend classes in consideration of their physical and /or mental health during disaster and calamities. This applies even if no order for cancellation or suspension of classes has been issued.
Nonetheless, it shall also be the responsibility of the parents or guardians to ensure that their child is able to catch up with the needed competencies that the learners should master.
Reference: DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2022
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