Malacañang Palace is expediting the refinement of class suspension guidelines to ensure clearer, more timely announcements amid unpredictable weather conditions, an official said on Thursday.

According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the proposed guidelines are being carefully reviewed and harmonized to clarify the roles of local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Education (DepEd) and minimize confusion among students, parents and school authorities.

Sometimes an advisory is issued, but weather conditions suddenly improve; other times, classes are allowed to proceed only for heavy rains to occur later in the day, compromising students’ safety and well-being.

The Palace Official said guidelines need refinement to minimize the impact of sudden weather changes on parents and students, and the proposed system would also clarify the roles of LGUs and DepEd in announcing class suspensions or resumptions.

According to Castro, the proposal is for decisions to come from local government units. Still, these should be properly matched with weather alert levels, such as red and yellow warnings, to avoid confusion over whether announcements should come from the mayor, governor, LGU, or DepEd. 

Suspend classes by areas

DepEd is also urging LGUs to avoid broad class suspension orders when hazards affect only certain areas, saying more specific announcements could help reduce learning disruptions.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is asking LGUs to identify the municipalities, barangays, or schools actually affected by a disaster whenever conditions vary within their jurisdictions.

“Our request is simple: be specific when you suspend. If the risk is limited to certain areas, identifying those areas can help schools in unaffected areas continue learning,” Angara said.

The proposal is included in a draft executive order on suspending and resuming classes and work in educational institutions. Under the proposed guidelines, suspensions may be declared automatically, locally, or at a more specific level, depending on the extent of the hazard.

DepEd said LGUs will continue to have the authority to suspend classes, but encouraged coordination with local disaster risk reduction and management offices and education officials before making announcements.