Walang Pasok: When is class suspension automatic, localized or granular?

MANILA — A new framework on the suspension and resumption of classes will be implemented, following Malacanang’s issuance of Executive Order 130 on Tuesday.

Under the EO, there will be three “modes” of class suspension and resumption, which include automatic, localized, or granular.

Under this scheme, classes will be automatically suspended upon the issuance of PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, or any competent national agency of a warning or forecast of a hazard.

In the absence of such warnings, local chief executives may declare a localized suspension, based on local risk assessments and prevailing conditions.

In the absence of such localized suspensions, an educational institution may also declare a granular suspension upon the determination of a threat to the safety, health, or welfare of the learners.

The Palace said this was in response to criticisms against suspensions and resumptions that do not fully reflect actual conditions on the ground.

“Malaking kawalan ang bawat araw na pagliban sa eskuwela. Layunin ng bagong EO na tiyaking ligtas ang mga estudyante at patuloy lang ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

“Binibigyan nito ng dagdag na kapasidad ang mga lokal na pamahalaan para magpasya kung saang mga lugar o paaralan lang ang magkakansela ng klase depende sa aktuwal na kalagayan dito. Mas direkta ang aksyon, mas angkop ang tugon ng mga LGU,” she added.

In the previous framework, educational institutions defer to announcements from local government units if there will be class suspensions.

The new framework enables schools and learning institutions to declare granular class suspensions as they see fit.

“Magkakaroon ng kakayahan ang mga paaralan na magsuspinde ng klase kung talagang kinakailangan para sa mga estudyante dahil kaligtasan ng mga bata ang palaging una,” she said.

The executive order also directs learning institutions to implement learning continuity mechanisms whenever appropriate.

The same three-mode framework applies to  class resumption.

“Makakatulong din ang EO upang siguruhin na patuloy lang ang pagkatuto ng mga bata sa tulong ng alternative learning arrangements. Suspended man ang klase, tinitiyak ng EO na tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang pagkatuto,” Castro said. 

“Sa ilalim ng bagong executive order, inaatasan ng Pangulo ang DepEd na gabayan ang mga paaralan sa pagsunod sa guidelines upang maging maayos ang implementasyon nito sa buong bansa,” she added.

The EO directs the Department of Education to oversee the implementation of the order.