DepEd allows class suspension in NCR, Calabarzon due to vog

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday authorized schools in Metro Manila and the Calabarzon region that are affected by the volcanic smog (vog) to suspend face-to-face classes until it is safe to return to schools.

Based on a memorandum signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, affected schools were permitted to suspend classes “in the absence of an official announcement from the local government units.”

Schools that will suspend classes were thus instructed to implement alternative delivery modalities such as modular or online learning to ensure learning continuity.

The DepEd said that the decision to lift the suspension will depend on whether it is safe for learners and teachers to return to schools.

“Concerned personnel are advised to stay updated through news and announcements from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS),” the memorandum read.

In cases of casualties such as displacements, injuries, or other incidents involving learners and teachers, the schools were also directed to report to the regional office, which will forward the information to DepEd’s central office, through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service.

PHIVOLCS on Monday said that vog from Taal Volcano has been observed in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that up to “very unhealthy” air quality has been observed in some areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday morning. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News