LGUs responsible for class suspensions – DepEd

By Joelyn G. Baluyut

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 10 (PIA) -- The Department of

Education (DepEd) said local chief executives may implement localized class suspensions or cancellations during weather disturbances in the absence of typhoon signal warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa).

DepEd said that local chief executives, in their capacity as chairpersons of the local disaster councils and in coordination with the national disaster council, may cancel or suspend classes in private and public schools and work in government offices in their

locality through all forms of mass media available under the circumstance.

DepEd Region 3 School Division Superintendent Nicolas Capulong said,“According to DepEd Order No. 43, any decision to cancel or suspend classes must come from the local government.”

“A school head may only cancel or suspend classes in cases where urgent action is needed to prevent loss of life or bodily harm,”Capulong added.

Capulong also said, “LGU officials are expected to announce cancellation or suspension not later than 4:30 a.m. for whole day cancellation or suspension or not later than 11 a.m. for afternoon cancellation or suspension.” (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)