QC aligns heat-related class suspension rules with DepEd, Marcos EO

The Quezon City government is aligning its heat-related class suspension guidelines with a Department of Education (DepEd) directive and an executive order signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., allowing schools to independently suspend in-person classes during bad weather and under hazardous conditions.

The city government said it was revoking Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2025, on heat-related class suspensions to comply with DepEd Memorandum No. 064, Series of 2026.

Under the DepEd directive, public school heads may adjust class schedules, suspend face-to-face classes or shift to alternative learning modes based on conditions in their respective schools, in coordination with the Schools Division Office.

Private schools are also encouraged to adopt the guidelines, as applicable.

"Parents, guardians, and learners are advised to monitor their schools’ official communication channels for announcements on class schedules and learning arrangements," the QC government said in a statement.

"The City Government will also comply with Executive Order No. 130 and awaits its implementing guidelines to ensure proper implementation," it added.

Executive Order No. 130 allows schools to declare localized suspensions of in-person classes when national or local governments have not issued a suspension order, provided site-specific conditions indicate an actual or imminent threat to the safety, health, or welfare of learners and school personnel.

Aside from granular suspension, schools may automatically suspend on-site classes and work upon issuance of any warning, advisory, alert level, or forecast by PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, or DENR-Environmental Management Bureau.

Moreover, local officials may declare suspensions based on the specific, verified disaster or risk levels within their respective city, municipality, or province.

However, the EO provides that schools should implement learning continuity measures despite the suspension of in-person classes or activities.—LDF, GMA News