The Department of Education (DepEd) has recently updated its policies on class and work suspensions in schools during various emergencies, aiming to protect students, teachers, and staff while maintaining educational continuity. The new guidelines, outlined in DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, were released on December 23, 2024, and address a range of situations including typhoons, heavy rainfall, earthquakes, power outages, extreme heat, and poor air quality.
DepEd emphasizes the importance of both safety and uninterrupted learning, particularly in areas prone to disasters. The revised policy requires schools to create and regularly update Learning and Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) to minimize educational disruptions during emergencies. These plans should include Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) such as modular distance learning, online education, or blended learning, tailored to local conditions to ensure students can continue their education during crises.
In the event of face-to-face class suspensions, schools are encouraged to switch to distance learning modalities. The LSCP also mandates protocols for protecting educational materials and devices from damage and ensuring their distribution to students. Additionally, the plan involves mobilizing educators and staff during emergencies and emphasizes the need for training and capacity-building initiatives like Learning Action Cells to prepare teachers for alternative teaching methods.
DepEd encourages schools to collaborate with local government units, parents, and community organizations to effectively implement LSCPs. Schools are also required to allocate funds for disaster preparedness and recovery within their School Improvement Plans, ensuring resources are available for ADMs, make-up classes, and other related efforts. The LSCP must be developed every three years, in line with the School Improvement Plan, and reviewed and updated annually at the start of each school year.