Marcos endorses plan allowing schools to resume classes independently

MANILA — The President's endorsement of the DepEd initiative aims to minimize learning disruptions for students affected by calamities and inclement weather conditions. Under the proposed framework, schools would gain greater autonomy to determine when conditions permit a return to in-person instruction, rather than waiting for broader local government orders to lift class suspensions across entire cities or municipalities.

The policy represents a shift toward more localized decision-making in education management, recognizing that weather and disaster impacts may vary significantly between different school locations. By allowing schools to resume operations independently, the initiative seeks to prevent unnecessary accumulation of lost instructional days that can hinder student progress.

The DepEd proposal aligns with efforts to balance pandemic-era remote learning adjustments with the need for regular classroom instruction. The plan would establish clearer protocols for schools to assess safety conditions and coordinate with local authorities before reopening to students.

Implementation details regarding inspection procedures, coordination mechanisms, and safety standards are expected to be finalized as the policy moves forward. Education officials have indicated the framework would apply to all school levels, from elementary through senior high school.