Laguna’s suspension of classes prompts reminder from DepEd
The authority to impose class suspensions should be exercised responsibly and also continue to reflect care for the commitment to learning continuity, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday.
It issued the reminder to local government units (LGUs) after Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones ordered the suspension of classes in the province as a precautionary measure following the quakes that jolted parts of the Visayas and Mindanao in recent weeks.
Prudence needed
The two-week suspension from Oct. 14 to Oct. 31 covers face-to-face classes in all public and private schools in the province—a move that was criticized especially online as netizens questioned the scientific basis for the order.
Dennis Legaspi, DepEd’s chief media relations officer, said that while they respect the authority of LGUs to suspend classes for the sake of public safety, this should be “exercised with balance and prudence.”
“While caution is important, extended suspensions can disrupt learning and affect students’ development,” Legaspi said in a statement. “Every decision should reflect both care for safety and commitment to learning continuity.”
The DepEd will also coordinate with the Schools Division Offices in Laguna to ensure that continuity on learning will be prioritized “at all costs.”
“We are also strongly encouraging local governments to periodically assess whether the suspension is still necessary for public safety,” Legaspi said.
