DepEd warns vs prolonged suspension of onsite classes

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday cautioned local government units (LGUs) against prolonged suspension of face-to-face classes, warning that it could disrupt students’ learning and development.

- By BELLA CARIASO

The statement came after Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones ordered the suspension of in-person classes in all levels, both public and private, in the province from Oct. 14 to 31 due to the possibility of a strong earthquake.

DepEd chief media relations officer Dennis Legaspi said that while the department respects the authority of LGUs to suspend classes for public safety, such decisions should be made “with balance and prudence.”

“While caution is important, extended suspensions can disrupt learning and affect students’ development. Every decision should reflect both care for safety and commitment to learning continuity,” Legaspi said.

He added that DepEd will coordinate with concerned schools division offices to ensure that alternative delivery modes are provided to affected learners.

Legaspi also urged local governments to “periodically assess whether the suspension is still necessary for public safety.”

The United Nations Children’s Fund earlier warned of a “real and widespread learning crisis” in the Philippines, noting that a vast majority of students are falling behind in reading and mathematics.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivoles) director Teresito Bacolcol reiterated that earthquakes cannot be predicted.

“We understand the concern for public safety, but Phivoles would like to clarify that earthquakes cannot be predicted. There is currently no technology anywhere in the world that can determine exactly when or where a quake will occur,” Bacolcol said.