GUIDELINES ON THE CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF CLASSES IN K TO 12 IN THE EVENT OF NATURAL DISASTER AND OTHER CALAMITIES

July 28, 2023

Department of Education Order Number 037, Series of 2022, released on September 1, 2022 and signed by Vice President and DepEd Sec. Sara Z. Duterte, declares the automatic cancellation or suspension of all classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Public Schools (including online and Alternative Learning System) in specific areas or LGUs issued with the following conditions:

- Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

- Orange and Red Rainfall Warning by the PAGASA

- Flood Warning by the PAGASA

- PHILVOCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) V as declared by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS)

The Local Chief Executives may declare cancellation or suspension of classes even if conditions are below the thresholds mentioned above should their own assessment deem it necessary for the safety of the students, teachers and school staff.

As a point of clarification, the DepEd Order No. 037, Series of 2022, states that "Private Schools and Community Learning Centers, as well as State/Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs/LUCs) have the option to abide by the provisions of the DepEd Order", meaning, they can choose not to follow the automatic suspension except if the LGU itself declares the suspension.

Please be guided accordingly.

Thank you very much.