DepEd Davao Calls for Balanced Approach to Class Suspensions Amid Weather Concerns
An official from the Department of Education-Davao Region (DepEd-Davao) has advised local government units (LGUs) that decisions on suspending classes should prioritize student safety while also considering the continuity of learning. This guidance comes as the region grapples with frequent weather-related disruptions to education.
Addressing Overly Cautious Suspensions
Jenielito "Dodong" Atillo, spokesperson for DepEd-Davao Region, highlighted problems in some areas where LGUs declare class suspensions even during light rainfall. "We need to look at this carefully because sometimes, when we declare a suspension, the sun ends up shining," Atillo remarked during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
He explained that constant weather disturbances have led many LGUs to frequently suspend classes, which disrupts the teaching and learning process. However, Atillo emphasized that DepEd respects LGU decisions, as local authorities best understand conditions within their jurisdictions. The issue, he added, is that even with light rain, many students and parents now hesitate to attend school, anticipating possible suspensions later in the day.
"This is the after-effect: even if there's no suspension, children and parents might say, 'Don't go to school because classes could be suspended soon,'" Atillo noted, underscoring how cautious declarations can create a ripple effect on attendance.
Recent Class Suspensions in Davao Region
Several cities and municipalities in the Davao Region suspended classes on February 18, 2026, due to continuous rainfall. Key actions included:
- The Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) in Davao del Norte canceled all classes in public and private schools for the afternoon.
- In Davao de Oro, the municipalities of New Bataan, Laak, and Mawab also suspended classes.
New Bataan Mayor Atty. Bianca Cualing-Brua ordered the suspension of both classes and work in schools, instructing personnel to ensure all students returned home safely before leaving. Similarly, Laak Mayor Honeyboy Libuangan and Mawab Mayor Myrill Apit prioritized public safety, urging residents to stay alert and await further announcements.
Legal Framework for Suspensions
Under Executive Order No. 66, the suspension of classes and government work due to typhoons, floods, or other weather disturbances must be declared by local chief executives based on conditions in their areas. School heads may only cancel or suspend classes in urgent cases to prevent harm to students or staff.
Additionally, DepEd Order No. 22, Series of 2024, allows local chief executives to suspend classes due to various emergencies, including weather disturbances, earthquakes, poor air quality, and extreme heat. The department stresses that decisions should balance safety with learning continuity, ensuring education is not unnecessarily interrupted.
This call for a more measured approach aims to safeguard students while minimizing disruptions to their academic progress, fostering a resilient educational environment in the face of environmental challenges.
