EO on class suspension during pre-COVID days still in effect —DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday reminded the public that guidelines on class suspension during pre-COVID-19 days are still in effect.

DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali said Executive Order 66, issued in 2012 and which prescribed rules on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices due to typhoons and other calamities, is still being implemented.

“We still follow the rules on automatic cancellation of classes if there’s a typhoon signal declared by PAGASA. Parehong-pareho pa rin po. Wala pong pagbabago po sa ngayon,” Umali told GMA News.

Under EO 66, classes in preschool and kindergarten are suspended when PAGASA declares Storm Signal No. 1; elementary and high school under Signal No. 2; and all levels as well as work in DepEd under Signal No. 3.

The executive order also authorizes local government executives to declare class suspensions.

Umali, however, said DepEd is already communicating with Malacañang regarding the possible amendment to EO 66 in light of the “new normal” system of blended learning.

“Baka kailangan na pong mag-adjust dahil distance learning naman po tayo. Napag-uusapan na po namin yan sa DepEd at kami po ay makikipag-ugnayan sa Malacañang,” Umali said.

The undersecretary, however, pointed out that certain provisions of EO 66 may still be applicable in the “new normal.”

“Pag sinabi nating bagyo, Signal Number 2, malakas ho ang ulan. Eh yun po yung araw ng pagkuha ng modules, halimbawa, ng ating mga magulang sa ating mga paaralan o kaya yun naman po yung araw na ibabalik yung mga activity sheets. Naaapektuhan ang internet connectivity. Bumagsak ang tore o kung anuman. O kaya maaaring brownout, baka ganun po at walang kuryente para makapanood ng lessons,” Umali explained. —KBK, GMA News