Classes in Cebu City schools  suspended

CEBU, Philippines —  Classes in Cebu City schools have been suspended after the city was placed under Alert Level 3 following spike in COVID-19 cases.

The Division of Bais City in Negros Oriental is also contemplating on suspending classes starting tomorrow.

The two divisions have asked to suspend classes due to the current alert level in their areas, as well as the wide extent of devastation left behind by Typhoon Odette last December 16, 2021.

Late last week, the Department of Education authorized regional directors and school division superintendents to suspend classes for two weeks which they also called a “health break.”

In Central Visayas, all areas, except Siquijor, have been placed under alert level 3.

Siquijor has remained under alert level 2 and has not been widely affected by the wrath of the typhoon.

DepEd-7 Director Salustiano Jimenez told The Freeman that Cebu City is the first division to suspend classes starting yesterday, January 17, until January 30.

Bais, on the other hand, also sent a letter to the regional office yesterday saying it was also contemplating on suspending classes beginning tomorrow, January 18, to 31.

“They have asked for suspension of classes aside from the alert level 3 status, but because of the typhoon Odette,” said Jimenez.

As per regional memorandum No. 0037 series 2022, all school heads are to make adjustments in its school calendar to ensure that the number of school days in the current school year follows the Republic Act 11480, an act which lengthens the number of school days from 200 to not more than 220 class days.

Jimenez said he will just wait on what Cebu City and Bais will do to make up for those days without classes.

“Maghulat ko sa division unsa ilang pamaagi,“ he said.

Make up classes or extension of classes in the school year may not necessarily be had if the schools still end up with a number within the required number of school days.

“If masud ra sa required number of school days in a year. Bisan pag walay make-up classes, or extension of classes, okay ra na na siya. But if kulang gani…either they have to make up classes or extend sa pagklase,” explained Jimenez.

With the suspension of classes, all synchronous and asynchronous classes shall be put on hold while submission of academic requirements and conduct of other teaching-related activities will have to be moved to a later date while late submission of requirements has to have valid reasons.

Jimenez is expecting all personnel, teachers, and the learners themselves to remain vigilant and observe health and safety protocols and follow IATF guidelines. — JMD (FREEMAN)