Manila, Philippines — The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) is calling on the Office of the President to establish a more updated and appropriate policy on the suspension of face-to-face classes in schools based on the current situation and conditions in a particular area.
The call includes amending the existing Executive Order No. 66, series of 2012, which serves as the basis for class suspensions during typhoons, flooding, and various calamities.
According to EDCOM 2, one of the consequences of class suspensions is the number of learning days lost by students in schools.
If its proposed granular class suspension policy is implemented, in which classes would only be suspended in areas where risks have been identified, more students would be able to attend in-person classes.
Under this approach, an entire province, city, or municipality would no longer necessarily be affected by a class suspension.
Instead, the level of risk in each specific area would be assessed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) is also pushing a similar plan, under which schools would be given the authority to decide whether to continue or cancel face-to-face classes when they determine that there is no longer a threat to the safety of students in their respective areas.
Based on EDCOM 2 latest analysis of DepEd data, students lose nearly 15 school days per school year due to class suspensions.
During the 2024–2025 school year, Negros Occidental recorded the highest number of lost learning days, with students losing 71 days, largely due to the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
This was followed by Canlaon City, with 61 days, and Metro Manila, with 15 days due to the impact of typhoons.
Under the proposal being pushed by EDCOM 2 and the Department of Education, in coordination with other government agencies, class suspensions would be based on local risk assessments, scientific evidence, consultations with schools, and decisions by local chief executives and schools division superintendents.