Revised Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools – The Department of Education issues DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024 or the Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies. This Order outlines guidelines for suspending in-person classes during disasters or emergencies. The goal is to safeguard learners, teachers, and nonteaching personnel from potential harm while ensuring uninterrupted learning. Learners who miss learning activities due to class suspensions caused by disruptions such as disasters or emergencies resulting from natural or human-induced hazards shall be given due consideration regarding their attendance and the completion of their learning tasks.
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools
The Department upholds the principle of promoting the welfare, safety, and security of learners and personnel at all times, which remains DepEd’s paramount consideration, while also ensuring continuity in learning.
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes due to Typhoons and Trophical Cyclones
The suspension of classes due to typhoons and tropical cyclones will follow PAGASA’s Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) and Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012.
| PAGASA TCWS | Supension |
|---|---|
| TCWC 1 | Classes for Kindergarten in the affected area shall be automatically suspended |
| TCWS 2 | Face-to-face classes for Kindergarten and Elementary to Junior High School (JHS) or Grade 10 in the affected area shall be automatically suspended; provided that Elementary and JHS will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes based on their Learning and Service Continuity Plan (LSCP) to ensure that learning competencies are met. |
| TCWS 3 or above | Classes and work at all levels in the affected area shall be automatically suspended. |
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 is safe to do so. However, schools are obligated to keep the students and personnel safe in school if travelling has become unsafe.
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes due to Heavy Rainfall and Flood
Suspension of classes for heavy rainfall will depend on the Rainfall Warning by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
| PAGASA Rainfall or Flooding Warning | Suspension |
|---|---|
| Yellow Warning (Rainfall) Alarm Water Level (Flooding) | For areas in the province/city/municipality with torrential rains/flooding, and based on the assessment of the school, the learners and personnel are still exposed to various risks, the SDS shall coordinate with the local government unit (LGU) for localized school suspensions. The LCE shall decide on the suspension of face-to-face classes and work in schools, provided that schools will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes based on their LSCP to ensure that learning competencies are met. |
| Orange or Red Warning (Rainfall) and Critical Water Level (Flooding) at a time when classes have already begun for the day | The school head shall immediately suspend classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and ALS and send everyone home if it is safe to do so. However, schools are obligated to keep the learners and personnel safe in school if travelling has become unsafe. |
| Orange or Red Warning and Critical Water Level (Flooding) at a time when classes have not yet started for the day | Classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and ALS are automatically suspended in schools. |
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes due to Earthquakes
Suspension of classes and work due to earthquakes will depend on the earthquake intensity as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
| PHIVOLCS Intensity | Suspension |
|---|---|
| V and below | The LCE shall decide on the suspension of face-to-face classes and work. For localized school suspensions, the SDS shall coordinate with the LGUS, provided that schools will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes based on their LSCP to ensure that learning competencies are met. |
| IV and below | Classes and work at all levels are automatically suspended in all public schools, including ALS. In cases where an earthquake happens while learners are in school, safety procedures shall initially be undertaken before sending everyone home. However, schools are obligated to keep the learners and personnel safe in school if travelling has become unsafe. |
If an earthquake of Intensity VI or higher occurs, the school head shall request from competent authorities (Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH], local building officials, division engineers, and other competent professionals) to assess the school buildings before allowing students and personnel to return.
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes due to Power Outages/Power Interruption/Brownouts
There will be no automatic suspension of classes in the event that there are power outages, interruptions, or brownouts.
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes due to Extreme Heat Condition
There will be no automatic suspension of classes due to Extreme Heat Conditions. However, in case of unbearable heat, the LCE may still exercise its authority to facilitate localized class suspension based on the situation in their localities. The SDS shall coordinate with the LGUs for localized school suspensions, provided that schools will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes to ensure that learning competencies are met.
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes due to Low Air Quality / Vog (Volcanic Fog)
Suspension of classes for Low Air Quality and Volcanic Fog will depend on the Particle Matter 2.5 Air Quality Index as reported by the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
| Air Quality Index Levels | Suspension |
|---|---|
| Acutely Unhealthy (Purple) PM 2.5 between 55.1 – 90 | The LCE shall decide on the suspension of face-to-face classes. The SDS shall coordinate with the LGUs for localized school suspensions, provided that schools will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes based on their LSCP to ensure that learning competencies are met. |
| Emergency (Maroon) PM 2.5 >91 | Classes and work shall be automatically suspended. |
Other Emergencies and Hazards
In cases of other calamities, emergencies, and hazards not enumerated above that may threaten the welfare and safety of learners and school personnel, the school heads, or the district or division ALS coordinator may suspend classes, and work as may be appropriate; provided that there is the necessary coordination with the LCE and SDS.
Localized/Granular Suspensions
In case there is no automatic suspension of classes and in the absence of a declaration from the LGU, the school heads, or the district or division ALS coordinator, may suspend classes and work in the cases listed below, provided that there is the necessary coordination with the LCE and SDS, and when applicable, schools will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes based on their LSCP to ensure that learning competencies are met:
- In case of torrential rain, flooding, and risk of landslides and storm surges;
- In case of localized and specific flooding in the area of the school premises; or when flooding affects a large part of the student and personnel population of the school;
- In case of earthquake, at any intensity, if in their assessment, the buildings and other structures within their facilities are deemed to be in danger of collapsing or are found to have major damage. The school head shall request from competent authorities (DPWH, local building officials, division engineers, and other competent professionals) to assess the school buildings before allowing students and personnel to return;
- In case power outages or interruptions last more than half a school day, making classrooms uncomfortable or unsafe for students and teachers;
- In case the temperature in classrooms or learning spaces is not conducive to learning and affects the health and safety of the learners and teachers;
- In case the air quality or vog levels in the area are poor and could harm students’ health or hinder learning; and
- In case other calamities, emergencies, and hazards not enumerated above threaten the safety of students and school personnel.
School heads shall immediately notify their respective SDS of the suspension of classes and/or work, including the reason for such suspension. They shall also submit a report (Annex A) to the SDS through the School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) on a quarterly basis.
Adjustments to Learning Delivery Due to Suspensions/Cancellations of Classes
In the event of suspended face-to-face classes, schools shall implement modular distance learning, online distance learning, or blended learning, where feasible. In case of suspension of face-to-face classes due to calamities and emergencies, and in areas where circumstances and resources permit, school heads have the discretion to choose any of the Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) below to support continued learning:
A. Online Learning: If face-to-face classes are suspended but online access is available, online classes may continue. School heads may adjust class schedules to accommodate internet connectivity issues. Schools should also provide guidance on accessing digital resources.
B. Modular Learning: In case of suspension of face-to-face person classes or if online learning is not possible, school heads, in consultation with teachers, may arrange for modular learning. They may select or develop alternative learning materials, such as but not limited to modules, worksheets, or Learner Activity Sheets, and coordinate their distribution to ensure timely access for learners.
School heads must inform their respective SDS if they decide to implement ADMs.
In accordance with DepEd Order (DO) No. 014, s. 2021 (Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Government Offices Due to Typhoons, Flooding, Other Weather Disturbances, and Calamities), learners who miss learning activities due to class suspensions caused by disruptions such as disasters or emergencies resulting from natural or human-induced hazards, shall be given due consideration regarding their attendance and the completion of their learning tasks.
Maintenance of Workforce and Activation of DRRM Teams
Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools
When classes are suspended, teaching and non-teaching school personnel, including ALS teachers, shall not be required to report on-site, except those who are mandated to render security, safety, finance, engineering, sanitation, health, and disaster response duties. However, teachers may implement ADMs to support continued learning, subject to the provisions of Section III.6 of this Department Order.
Schools must always be ready to facilitate remote work arrangements with clear performance measures, ensuring learning and service continuity.
Teachers and school-based personnel who render service in the school during work suspensions will be entitled to equivalent overtime pay, VSC, or overtime pay subject to existing guidelines.
The Central Office (CO), regional offices (ROs), SDOs, and schools shall activate their DRRM Teams to prepare, monitor, and respond to the situation. DRRM Team members, particularly DRRM coordinators and engineers shall be required to report to work in the aftermath of the disaster to continue undertaking response, early recovery, and reopening based on established DRRM protocols (e.g., an inspection of school facilities to vet damages as reported by school DRRM coordinators, detailed assessment of damaged facilities for purposes of developing the Program of Works for infrastructure costing in rehabilitation and recovery plans, and participation in coordination meetings with LDRRMCs). Other DRRM Team members may likewise be required to report to work, as needed.
Use of schools as Evacuation Center or Quarantine and/or Isolation Facility /Vaccination Center
Schools shall not be used as quarantine and/or isolation facilities or vaccination centers. Mobile vaccinations of not more than two days that do not disrupt classes or school co-curricular activities may be allowed. In case of other disasters, schools may be used as an immediate evacuation site which should not last for more than 15 days. LGUs cannot use schools as long-term shelters for evacuees.
Conduct of Psychological First Aid
As the maintenance of a conducive learning environment requires addressing the immediate needs of affected learners and personnel in the aftermath of disasters, all SDOs, with the support of ROs, through the expertise of trained and specialized individuals shall assess the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support needs and services and lead the conduct of Psychological First Aid (PFA). This shall include the mobilization of trained PFA providers and partners, and if needed, referral pathways for learners and personnel identified for further specialized psychological support services. Required health standards shall always be applied.
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 disasters 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.
Revised Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools
Download: DepEd Order No. 37, S. 2022
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