Local Government Units Need to Collaborate with DepEd Before Suspending Classes, Philstar.com Reports

Class Suspensions Across the Nation: Local Officials Urged to Coordinate with Education Department

Manila, Philippines – A wave of class suspensions swept across the nation on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and continuing into Thursday, October 16, 2025, triggering a reminder from national authorities about the importance of consultation with the Department of Education (DepEd). These disruptions to learning have created challenges for students, parents, and educators alike.

Recent Suspension Orders and Their Impact

Numerous local government units (LGUs) announced the suspension of in-person classes, shifting to choice learning modalities. The reasons varied, including inclement weather, safety concerns, and unforeseen circumstances. However, reports surfaced indicating that some LGU decisions were made without prior consultation with DepEd officials, raising questions about standardized protocols. According to data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management council, October sees an average of 12 localized weather disturbances per year, frequently enough resulting in school closures.

DepEd Emphasizes Collaboration

National officials are now stressing the need for LGUs to engage in dialogue with DepEd before declaring class suspensions. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a consistent and well-informed response to potential disruptions. The Department argues that coordinated planning will minimize the impact on students’ academic progress and maintain a unified educational system. “effective disaster preparedness requires a whole-of-nation approach,” stated a DepEd spokesperson. “open communication between national and local authorities is paramount.”

Phivolcs Clarifies Role in Laguna Suspension

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a statement clarifying its role in the suspension of face-to-face classes in Laguna province. Phivolcs emphasized that it did not recommend the suspension, only provided data and assessments regarding seismic activity in the region. This incident underscores the importance of accurate data dissemination and a clear understanding of the respective roles of different government agencies.

Province/City	Date of Suspension	Reason
Laguna	October 16, 2025	Seismic Activity
Metro Manila	October 15-16, 2025	Heavy Rainfall
Various Provinces	October 15, 2025	Inclement Weather

Did You Know? Class suspensions are typically declared to ensure the safety of students, especially during severe weather events or natural disasters.

Pro Tip: Parents should regularly check official DepEd channels and local news sources for updates regarding class suspensions in their area.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

The recent series of suspensions highlights the ongoing need to strengthen disaster preparedness measures within the education sector. Improved communication protocols, extensive risk assessments, and the implementation of alternative learning strategies are crucial to mitigating the impact of future disruptions. A recent UNESCO report indicates that countries with robust disaster risk reduction plans in education experience substantially fewer learning days lost due to emergencies.

The Evolving Landscape of School Safety

beyond weather-related incidents, school safety concerns now encompass a wider range of potential threats, including seismic activity and public health emergencies. This necessitates a holistic approach to school safety planning that addresses both natural and human-induced hazards.Investing in infrastructure improvements,providing training for school personnel,and fostering a culture of safety awareness are essential components of a resilient education system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Class Suspensions

• What triggers a class suspension? Class suspensions are typically declared when there is a notable threat to the safety of students and school personnel, such as severe weather, natural disasters, or public health emergencies.
• Who decides on class suspensions? While DepEd provides guidelines, the final decision to suspend classes usually rests with the local government unit (LGU) or school administration.
• What are alternative learning modalities? Alternative learning modalities include online classes, modular learning, and other methods used to continue education when in-person classes are not possible.
• How can parents stay informed about class suspensions? Parents should monitor official DepEd channels, local news sources, and social media accounts for updates on class suspensions.
• Is there a national standard for declaring class suspensions? DepEd provides guidelines, but the implementation can vary depending on local circumstances. The call for greater coordination aims to standardize this process.

What are your thoughts on the recent class suspensions? Do you beleive better coordination between LGUs and DepEd is necessary? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How does the recent directive aim to resolve past inconsistencies in class suspension announcements between DepEd and LGUs?

Understanding the Recent Directive: Class Suspensions & LGU Coordination

Recent reports from Philstar.com highlight a crucial directive regarding class suspensions in the Philippines.The Department of Education (DepEd) is emphasizing the need for collaboration between Local Government Units (LGUs) and the department before implementing decisions to suspend classes due to various weather disturbances or emergencies. This isn’t a new regulation, but a reinforced call for streamlined disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) specifically impacting education. The core issue revolves around ensuring consistent and informed decisions that prioritize student safety while minimizing disruption to learning.

Why collaboration is Key: Addressing Concerns & Ensuring Safety

Historically, instances of differing announcements – DepEd allowing classes while LGUs suspending them, or vice versa – have caused confusion for parents, students, and teachers. this inconsistency stems from a lack of unified assessment and communication.

Here’s why this collaboration is vital:

* Accurate Risk assessment: LGUs possess localized data regarding weather conditions, flood levels, road accessibility, and potential hazards within their jurisdiction. DepEd provides the overarching educational viewpoint. Combining these insights leads to a more accurate risk assessment.

* Consistent Messaging: A unified decision prevents conflicting announcements, reducing public confusion and ensuring everyone receives the same information regarding school schedules.

* Optimized Resource Allocation: Coordinated planning allows for better allocation of resources for emergency response, including evacuation centers and transportation assistance.

* Student Safety: The primary goal is, and always should be, the safety of students.Collaboration ensures decisions are made with a thorough understanding of the risks involved.

* Minimizing Learning Loss: While safety is paramount, frequent and unneeded class suspensions contribute to learning loss. Informed decisions help strike a balance.

DepEd’s Guidelines & LGU Responsibilities: A Breakdown

DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2023, provides the framework for disaster risk reduction and management in basic education. While it grants LGUs the authority to suspend classes in their area based on local conditions, the directive stresses the importance of consultation with DepEd.

specifically, LGUs are expected to:

1. Establish Communication Channels: Maintain open and reliable communication lines with DepEd officials at the schools division level.
2. Share Localized Data: Provide DepEd with real-time information regarding weather forecasts,flood warnings,and other relevant data.
3. Participate in DRRM Meetings: Actively participate in local Disaster risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) meetings and coordinate with DepEd representatives.
4. Consider DepEd’s Input: Give due consideration to DepEd’s assessment of the situation and its recommendations regarding class suspensions.
5. Issue Clear & Unified Announcements: Ensure that any announcements regarding class suspensions are aligned with DepEd’s official statements.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

In November 2022, several regions experienced conflicting announcements regarding class suspensions during a severe typhoon. Some LGUs preemptively suspended classes while DepEd maintained that schools were safe to operate, leading to widespread confusion. This situation underscored the urgent need for improved coordination.

More recently, proactive collaboration between the LGU of Marikina City and the DepEd Schools Division of Marikina during heavy rainfall events in 2023 resulted in timely and consistent announcements, minimizing disruption and ensuring student safety. This success story highlights the benefits of a collaborative approach.

Benefits of a Collaborative Approach: beyond Immediate Safety

the advantages extend beyond simply avoiding confusion during emergencies.

* Strengthened DRRM Capacity: Collaboration fosters a stronger overall disaster risk reduction and management capacity at the local level.

* Improved Community Resilience: A coordinated response builds community resilience and preparedness for future events.

* Enhanced Public Trust: Consistent and informed decision-making enhances public trust in both DepEd and LGUs.

* long-Term Planning: Collaborative efforts can inform long-term planning for school infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Practical Tips for LGUs & DepEd: Implementing Effective Collaboration

* regular Joint Meetings: Schedule regular meetings between LGU officials and DepEd representatives to discuss DRRM plans and protocols.

* Establish a Communication Protocol: Develop a clear communication protocol outlining how information will be shared and decisions will be made.

* Joint Training programs: Conduct joint training programs for LGU and DepEd personnel on DRRM procedures.

* Utilize Technology: Leverage technology, such as SMS alerts and social media, to disseminate information quickly and efficiently.

* Document Lessons Learned: After each event, document lessons learned and identify areas for improvement.

Keywords & Related Search Terms:

* Class suspensions Philippines

* DepEd class suspension guidelines

* LGU class suspension authority

* Disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM)

* School closures due to weather

* Typhoon class suspensions

* DepEd Order No.37 s.2023

* local government unit (LGU) responsibilities

* Student