There appears to be confusion raised by the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 037, s. of 2022, stating that private schools, as well as state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) have the option to abide by the provisions of the order as to cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools in the event of natural disasters, power outages/power interruption, and other calamities.
Higher education institutions (HEIs) have long been guided by Executive Order No. 66, Series of 2012, on the suspension of classes, due to typhoons, flooding, and other weather disturbances and calamities.
CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 15, Series of 2012, states that:
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Classes at the collegiate level, including graduate school, in the affected area, are automatically cancelled or suspended when Signal No. 3 is raised by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and announced through various media outlets.
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Classes at the collegiate level, including graduate school, may be cancelled or suspended at the discretion of the local chief executives of Local Government Units and/or heads of HEIs if special circumstances in their area such as flooding, road damage, etc. warrant it. HEIs are also advised to monitor National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announcements where disasters and calamities are present.
However, in case the local chief executives of LGU cancelled or suspended classes pursuant to this Section, HEIs within the area should observe the same.
Until the amendment or revocation of the said Executive Order and CMO No. 15, Series of 2012, CHED instructs all HEIs to observe these guidelines in their respective campuses.
(SIGNED)
J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III, DPA
Chairman
Commission on Higher Education