The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel during disasters and emergency situations. While DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2022 remains the primary policy governing class suspensions, its implementation now aligns with the latest guidelines under DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024 (Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities for SY 2025–2026) and the Automatic Class Suspension Policy under Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012, as well as official advisories from PAGASA, the NDRRMC, and Local Government Units (LGUs).
These updated guidelines ensure that class suspensions are implemented consistently during tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, flooding, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, power interruptions, and other emergencies while allowing schools to continue learning through appropriate alternative delivery modes whenever feasible.
DepEd’s Policy on Class Suspension
DepEd emphasizes that protecting learners and school personnel from avoidable risks is always the highest priority. Schools are expected to suspend classes whenever weather conditions or other emergencies pose a threat to the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
Public schools nationwide follow the automatic suspension rules issued by the national government, while local chief executives (governors, mayors, or barangay officials, when authorized) may also declare localized suspensions based on actual conditions in their respective areas.
Private schools, colleges, universities, and community learning centers are generally encouraged to follow local government announcements but may also exercise their own discretion depending on campus conditions.
Automatic Class Suspension Due to Typhoon
Under the existing national policy, the following automatic suspensions apply in public schools:
| Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal | Automatic Suspension |
|---|---|
| Signal No. 1 | Kindergarten |
| Signal No. 2 | Kindergarten to Senior High School |
| Signal No. 3, 4, or 5 | All levels (including higher education, unless otherwise announced) |
Private schools and higher education institutions may adopt the same suspension levels or issue separate announcements.
Automatic Class Suspension Due to Heavy Rainfall
PAGASA rainfall warnings also trigger automatic class suspensions.
| Rainfall Warning | Automatic Suspension |
|---|---|
| Yellow Rainfall Warning | Kindergarten |
| Orange Rainfall Warning | Kindergarten to Senior High School |
| Red Rainfall Warning | All levels |
Even without a rainfall warning, LGUs may suspend classes if flooding, landslides, or other hazardous conditions exist.
Other Situations That May Result in Class Suspension
Classes may also be suspended due to:
- Flooding
- Landslides
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
- Tsunami threats
- Storm surge
- Extreme heat
- Power interruptions affecting schools
- Public health emergencies
- Transportation disruptions
- Other hazards declared by local authorities
Local governments may issue suspensions based on recommendations from their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs).
Alternative Learning During Suspensions
When classes are suspended, schools are encouraged to continue learning through appropriate Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) whenever safe and practical.
Depending on local conditions, schools may implement:
- Modular learning
- Online learning
- Blended learning
- Printed learning packets
- Home-based learning activities
The implementation of alternative learning depends on the nature of the emergency and the readiness of both schools and learners.
Roles of Local Government Units
Local chief executives have the authority to suspend classes in their respective jurisdictions whenever local conditions warrant immediate action.
LGUs are encouraged to coordinate with:
- PAGASA
- DepEd Schools Division Offices
- Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs)
- School administrators
This allows suspension decisions to reflect actual on-the-ground conditions rather than relying solely on national weather bulletins.
Responsibilities of Schools
School heads are expected to:
- Continuously monitor weather and disaster advisories.
- Coordinate with local government officials.
- Inform parents, learners, and personnel immediately of suspension announcements.
- Secure school facilities and learning resources.
- Prepare alternative learning activities when appropriate.
Advice for Parents and Learners
Parents are encouraged to monitor announcements from:
- PAGASA
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- DepEd Regional and Division Offices
- Official school communication channels
Learners should avoid traveling during severe weather, flooding, or other hazardous situations even if no official suspension has yet been announced.
Key Takeaway
DepEd’s latest class suspension policy continues to place the safety of learners and school personnel above all else. Automatic suspensions based on tropical cyclone wind signals and rainfall warnings remain in effect, while LGUs retain the authority to declare localized suspensions depending on actual conditions. Schools are also encouraged to continue education through Alternative Delivery Modes whenever possible, ensuring that learning continues without compromising the safety of students and educators.
DepEd Guidelines on Class Suspension (DepEd Order 37 s. 2022)
Download DEPED GUIDELINES ON THE SUSPENSION OF CLASSES IN THE EVENT OF DISASTERS AND OTHER NATURAL CALAMITIES (DepEd Order 37 s. 2022), click here.
(Reference: DepEd Order 37 s. 2022, click here)