The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday reminded the public that the decisionto suspend classes when there are no storm signals falls under the various local government units (LGU). “The government recognizes the need to streamline the procedure in suspending classes,” says Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC, adding that those “on the ground” will have a better assessment of the local situation.

Executive Order No. 66 s.2012 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino states “In the absence of typhoon signal warnings from PAGASA, localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be implemented by local chief executives, as chairmen of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) concerned, in coordination with PAGASA and the NDRRMC, specifically in flood-prone or high risk areas.”

However the rules on automatic suspension of classes remain. Storm Signal No 1 suspends classes in kindergarten, No 2 in elementary and high school, and No 3 in college, including graduate school and government offices.