Public school principals can now suspend classes in Muntinlupa in extreme heat situations

Principals in public schools in Muntinlupa now have the power to suspend face-to-face classes in light of soaring temperatures being experienced in the country. This was the decision of the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Muntinlupa following the suspension of classes last April 2 ordered by the Muntinlupa City government.

“We revisited Deped Order 37, s.2022 at Regional Memo No. 298, s.2024. Maaaring gamitin ng mga principals ang kanilang wise discretion sa pag-suspend ng faceto-face classes at pag-shift sa alternative delivery mode tulad ng blended learning modality at iba pa (Principals can use their wise discretion to suspend face to face classes and shift to alternative delivery mode like blended learning modality and others),” said Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Violeta Gonzales in an announcement posted by the Muntinlupa City government on its Facebook page on April 3.

It was decided after a meeting was held between the Muntinlupa SDO and principals on April 3.

“We also instructed the principals to strictly monitor the PAGASA updates to guide them in their decision para maaga pa lang ma-inform na po ang teachers, parents, and learners,” added Gonzales.

She said in some instances or of extreme urgency, school principals no longer have to wait for an announcement from Deped or local government unit (LGU) in suspending classes.

“So, in some instances or extreme urgency hindi na kailangang maghintay pa ng announcement from Deped or LGU dahil through this Deped Order ay empowered ang principals to use blended learning. Instructed din lahat ng principals thru their SDRRM coordinator to monitor PAGASA updates para maaga pa lang ay makapag decide na ang principals at ma-announce sa parents, teachers and learners (So in some instances or extreme urgency, it is no longer needed to wait for an announcement from Deped or LGU because thru this Deped Order, principals are empowered to used blended learning. All principals are also instructed thru their SDRRM [School Disaster Risk Reduction Management] coordinator to monitor PAGASA [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration] updates so principals can decide early and announce it to parents, teachers and learners),” said Gonzales.

The Muntinlupa City government said based on Deped Order 37, school heads have the discretion to suspend classes in private schools.