Don’t ask CHEd on class suspensions

INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) on Thursday said that automatic class suspensions would take effect in areas under storm signal No. 3 while local chief executives and school heads have the discretion to call off classes in case of localized flooding or other disasters.

The commission issued these revised guidelines in time for the opening of a new school year. The regulations, based on Executive Order No. 66 governing suspension of classes and work in government offices, were released after the Department of Education also issued its comprehensive guidelines on the subject.

“CHEd does not issue cancellation or suspension of classes,” read CHEd Memorandum Order No. 15.

Under the order, college students, including those taking postgraduate studies, should no longer wait for an official announcement as classes are automatically suspended in areas declared to be under storm signal No. 3 by the weather bureau.

Local chief executives or school heads, on the other hand, may exercise discretion in “special circumstances” where class suspension is in order even in the absence of a storm signal, including localized flooding and road damage.

Announcements on localized class suspensions must be made “not later than 4:30 a.m. of the day when the cancellation shall take effect.”

In cases of half-day suspensions, CHEd said local governments and school heads must advise students not later than 11 a.m.