Quezon City issues guidelines on localized class suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued guidelines on localized suspension of classes due to typhoons, flooding and other calamities following the resumption of face-to-face classes.

In a memorandum dated Aug. 22, Belmonte said in accordance with the Department of Education’s Order No. 014, classes are automatically suspended in case of typhoon signals.

Classes will be suspended in preschool and kindergarten levels in all public and private schools in the city in case of Typhoon Signal No. 1.

Classes in elementary and secondary levels will be suspended in case of Typhoon Signal No. 2 or higher.

Belmonte said classes in universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) are automatically suspended in case of Typhoon Signal No. 3.

In the absence of typhoon signals, the memorandum states that localized suspension of classes may be ordered by the mayor upon the recommendation of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in coordination with the Schools Division Office.

In cases of service interruptions due to bad weather, the Schools Division Office may recommend localized suspension of classes for public schools.

Private schools, including HEIs, may declare the suspension of classes at their discretion.

To avoid inconvenience to students, parents, teachers and other school personnel, Belmonte said the announcement on class suspensions should be made not later than 4 a.m.

The announcement on the suspension of afternoon classes shall be made not later than 11 a.m.