The Quezon City government has issued a guideline on the suspension of classes, especially during typhoons, flooding and other weather disturbances.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said Memorandum Circular No. 10 details automatic suspension of classes to guide teachers, parents and students whenever the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues typhoon signals.
The memorandum states that classes in public, private pre-school, and kindergarten are automatically suspended under Signal No. 1.
In case Signal No. 2 or higher is raised over the National Capital Region, Belmonte said public and private pre-school, kindergarten, elementary and secondary classes are automatically suspended.
Under Signal No. 3, classes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are automatically suspended pursuant to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 15, series 2012.
“The suspension of work in public schools shall be in accordance with the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 014, series of 2021 and CHED Memorandum Order No. 15 series 2012 for Higher Education Institutions,” MC 10 reads.
In the absence of signal warnings, Belmonte said she may order the localized suspension of classes based on the recommendations by the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC) following the conduct of a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) and with the consensus of the Division of City Schools.
“The Schools Division Office may also recommend localized suspension of classes for public schools due to service interruptions while private schools, including higher education institutions, may declare the suspension of classes at their discretion,” Belmonte said.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City mayor said the memorandum also authorizes the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMC) to conduct their own PDRA, in coordination with PAGASA and the QCDRRMC, to declare suspension of classes within their respective jurisdictions in coordination with the Schools Division Office when no signal warning is issued.
The city government also directs Schools Division Office, BDRRMC, and private school administrators to report immediately to the QCDRRMC any decision to suspend classes within their respective jurisdictions.
“To avoid inconvenience to students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel, announcements will be made no later than 4 a.m. of the intended day that classes are to be suspended,” Belmonte said.
She added, “In the event of extreme weather changes during the day, the announcement on the suspension of afternoon classes shall be made no later than 11 a.m.”
The city government also appeals to school officials to extend maximum leniency to their students who cannot come to face-to-face classes or perform their online school work due to service interruptions when no suspension of classes is ordered despite inclement weather conditions.
On Tuesday, Belmonte suspended classes on all levels in private schools for Wednesday (August 24), as recommended by the QCDRRMO.
Malacañang has earlier ordered the suspension of classes in public schools due to Tropical Storm Florita. (PNA)
