DepEd gives school heads authority to decide class resumption during bad weather

The Department of Education has submitted a draft executive order to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that would grant school heads the discretion to decide whether classes can safely resume during bad weather events, working in tandem with municipal mayors.

DepEd officials expressed mounting concern over repeated class suspensions that have disrupted the academic calendar in recent weeks. By delegating decision-making authority to school administrators and local officials, the agency aims to strike a balance between student safety and educational continuity.

Under the proposed framework, school principals would assess local weather conditions and safety risks before determining readiness to resume face-to-face instruction. This collaborative approach between education officials and local government units is intended to provide more timely, localized responses to weather emergencies rather than relying solely on centralized suspension orders.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by DepEd to minimize disruptions to classroom instruction while maintaining safeguards for students and staff during adverse weather conditions. The department has not yet announced a timeline for the executive order's implementation pending presidential approval.