Officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Education (DepEd) said class suspensions are still possible even if classes are conducted online.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said local government units have the authority to cancel classes which are based on the situation in the locality.
“In case of online classes or tinatawag na blended learning, ‘pag may bagyo, posibleng kailangan ihanda ng mga pamilya ang kanilang bahay… apektado sila by blackouts or by intermittent signal ng mga internet service provider,” Malaya said.
Malaya added that local chief executives can also consult internet service providers on class suspensions, considering some students attend online classes.
“Kailangan sigurong ma-consult ang mga internet service provider kung maapektuhan ba ang signal during typhoon or any natural calamity,” he said.
DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio earlier said suspension of classes is all up to the decision of local authorities.
He added that areas suffering from an electric blackout, especially where students use the online platform for their distance learning, may declare suspension of classes
“For those using online siguro (maybe), yes. Pero ‘yung mga gumagamit ng printed modules, ‘yun lang mismong day nag-aayos sila (But for those using printed modules, maybe only on the day that they are fixing their houses),” he added.
All in-person classes have been suspended by the national government until a Covid-19 vaccine becomes available as per instruction by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Opening of classes in public schools has been moved to October 5. Classes will be conducted using the blended mode of learning where students will use printed and digital modules, online classes, television and radio for their classes. Rommel F. Lopez