Schools gain autonomy to suspend, resume classes under Marcos order

Schools across the Philippines will have greater flexibility in managing classroom operations under Executive Order No. 130, signed by President Marcos on October 28 and made public this week. The directive grants individual educational institutions the authority to evaluate safety risks specific to their premises and determine whether to suspend in-person classes accordingly.

Under the new framework, schools are not bound by local government suspension orders when deciding to return to face-to-face learning. This represents a shift in policy, allowing schools to assess their own operational readiness and implement safety measures independent of municipal or provincial directives.

The order addresses concerns raised by educational institutions seeking clearer guidelines on class suspension and resumption protocols. By decentralizing decision-making authority, the policy aims to balance public health and safety considerations with the imperative to maintain regular classroom instruction.

The executive order applies to all levels of education and is expected to provide schools with operational clarity as they navigate ongoing challenges related to classroom management and student safety. School administrators are directed to conduct thorough assessments of campus conditions before implementing any changes to their class schedules.