Frequent disaster-driven class suspensions are intensifying an already deepening education crisis in Cebu, with local officials acknowledging the challenging balance between ensuring student safety and maintaining learning continuity.
Mayor Highlights Disruption Impact
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival emphasized that disruptions caused by calamities, often leading to suspended classes or shifts to online learning, have significantly hindered students' ability to keep pace with their lessons.
Archival's remarks follow a January 2026 report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EdCom 2), which revealed that a substantial number of Grade 3 students across major cities in the province are struggling with basic reading skills.
Alarming Literacy Deficits Uncovered
Data from the report indicated that 46.85 percent of Grade 3 learners in Cebu City failed to meet expected reading standards. Talisay City recorded a 50.2 percent literacy deficit, Lapu-Lapu City 45.64 percent, and Toledo City 43.83 percent.
The report cautioned that these figures place Cebu below national benchmarks and could result in long-term economic consequences if not addressed promptly.
Dilemma in Decision-Making
Archival acknowledged the difficult decisions faced by local authorities when determining whether to suspend classes during adverse conditions.
"We actually experience a lot of disasters, which results in online classes and class suspensions," he stated in an interview on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
He added that class cancellations consistently generate complaints—from individuals questioning why classes were canceled and others asking why they were not. Archival noted that he does not favor suspending classes as a solution.
Efforts to Combat the Decline
To address the decline in literacy, the City has collaborated with national agencies and private institutions to enhance literacy programs.
Archival highlighted ongoing interventions with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, such as the "Tara Basa" program, along with support from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
He explained that these initiatives were established prior to his administration and are now being strengthened and improved to better serve the community.
Broader Issues Beyond the Classroom
The EdCom 2 report also underscored that the problem extends beyond the classroom environment. According to EdCom 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, poor nutrition during early childhood significantly impacts a child's ability to learn effectively.
To tackle the crisis, EdCom 2 urged local governments to maximize their Special Education Funds for targeted interventions. These include hiring tutors, expanding early childhood education programs, and strengthening feeding initiatives to support holistic student development.
