DepEd-7: Regional director can suspend classes

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) is intensifying efforts to strengthen school safety and emergency preparedness through closer coordination with education officials, regular emergency drills, and the implementation of learning continuity measures, while affirming that the regional director may suspend classes in the face of credible security threats.

Speaking during the Kapihan sa PIA-7 forum on Tuesday, DepEd-7 Regional Director Dr. Arturo Bayocot said the region immediately implemented directives following a virtual meeting presided over by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, where regional directors nationwide reported on the security situation in their respective regions and the measures being undertaken to protect schools.

Following the national meeting, Bayocot convened a Regional Management Committee meeting in Mandaue City with schools division superintendents, where school safety and security topped the agenda.

The officials reviewed the amended DepEd orders on school safety and security, discussed their implementation, and shared experiences and scenarios encountered in their respective divisions.

Bayocot encouraged division officials to exchange best practices to further strengthen the implementation of safety measures in schools.

On class suspensions, Bayocot said the regional director has the authority to suspend classes due to security threats after evaluating the situation and coordinating with local government officials, schools division superintendents, and the DepEd Central Office when necessary.

He cited a recent incident involving a threatening social media post, where a mayor coordinated with the schools division superintendent, who then recommended the suspension of classes to the regional office.

Bayocot said he informed the DepEd Central Office of his decision to suspend classes in his capacity as regional director, and the central office concurred with the recommendation.

“When there is a security threat, we have to prioritize the safety of our learners, teachers, and school personnel,” he said.

Bayocot added that the department’s existing policy on students’ cellphone use in schools remains in effect, noting that no executive order or official memorandum has been issued by any local government unit that would supersede the agency’s guidelines.

Bayocot said Department Order No. 6, series of 2020, already governs the use of mobile phones in schools, prohibiting their use during instructional time unless they are needed for teaching and learning activities.

He explained that while students are generally not allowed to use their phones while classes are ongoing, teachers are given the flexibility to adopt classroom management strategies, such as collecting mobile phones before the start of classes and returning them after the school day.

Bayocot said there are also instances when mobile phones become essential learning tools, particularly for technology-driven instruction and online research.

He also pointed out that mobile phones play an important role during emergencies, as students and parents often rely on them for immediate communication.

Bayocot said students may continue bringing their mobile phones to school, subject to the provisions of Department Order No. 6, series of 2020.

He emphasized that the responsibility rests with teachers and school administrators to strictly enforce the prohibition against cellphone use during class while allowing their use only when necessary for instruction or emergencies. — (FREEMAN)