MUNTINLUPA CITY — Mayor Ruffy Biazon clarified the scope of class suspensions in the city following the recently announced health break.

Biazon noted that each time announcements are made regarding class suspensions, confusion often arises over whether these apply to all levels — from preschool to college — and to both public and private institutions.

He explained that the city government’s health break from 27 October to 2 November follows the Department of Education’s (DepEd) national directive. However, private institutions are given flexibility after a consultation with the Association of Private Schools in Muntinlupa.

“Out of 70 private schools and colleges here in Muntinlupa, 12 wanted to continue their activities because that is their program schedule. There are 58 that said they also have a programmed health break, and it is better to provide flexibility. So, based on our consultation with the private school association, we changed the policy that we issued,” Biazon said on Saturday.

DepEd’s order typically covers public schools under the K to 12 program, excluding colleges and private institutions. The city government, however, expanded this directive to include the Colegio de Muntinlupa and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa.

“I hope it is clear. The decision on private schools is up to their management. For public schools, it is the government’s order to have a health break. That is what we will follow in our local schools, including colleges and universities,” Biazon said.