New Rules on the Suspension and Resumption of Classes and Onsite Work in Schools | Executive Order (EO) No. 130

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 130 on October 28, 2026, establishing a unified framework for suspending and resuming face-to-face classes, school activities, and onsite work in public and private educational institutions and learning centers.

The order aims to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and school personnel while maintaining learning continuity during natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, and other hazards.

1. Three Mechanisms for Class Suspension

Under EO No. 130, class suspensions may be implemented through three mechanisms:

A. AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION

Classes and onsite work will automatically be suspended when official warnings, advisories, or alerts issued by PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, DENR-EMB, or other authorized national agencies meet prescribed technical thresholds.

• No additional suspension declaration is required.
• Applicable warning levels and conditions will be specified in the implementing guidelines.

B. LOCALIZED SUSPENSION

Local Chief Executives (governors, city mayors, or municipal mayors) may declare class suspensions based on documented local risk assessments.

• Suspensions may cover entire cities or municipalities, specific barangays, or particular schools.
• LGUs must specify the areas affected and the duration of the suspension.
• Decisions must consider prevailing hazards and local conditions.

C. GRANULAR OR SCHOOL-LEVEL SUSPENSION

Schools and learning centers may declare suspensions through their duly authorized officials when specific conditions threaten learners' and personnel's safety.

• Decisions must be supported by documented school-level risk assessments.
• Coordination with the concerned LGU is required.
• This mechanism applies when no automatic or localized suspension is in effect.

Important: School officials are not given unrestricted authority to suspend classes. They must follow the conditions and procedures established under the order and its implementing guidelines.

2. Rules on the Resumption of Classes

EO No. 130 also establishes procedures for reopening schools.

Automatic and localized suspensions: Classes and onsite work resume when the suspension period expires or the applicable warning or declaration is lifted, downgraded, expires, or ceases, provided the required safety assessments and inspections have been completed.

School-level resumption: Schools may resume classes following a documented assessment confirming that conditions are safe.

If an LGU suspension remains in effect, a school seeking earlier resumption must obtain the concurrence of the concerned Local Chief Executive.

Safety assessments must also consider whether learners and personnel can safely travel to and from school.

3. Learning Must Continue During Suspensions

The executive order emphasizes that suspension of face-to-face classes does not automatically mean suspension of learning.

Schools must implement appropriate learning continuity measures whenever feasible, which may include alternative learning delivery modalities consistent with DepEd guidelines.

Alternative work arrangements must also be implemented whenever practicable during onsite work suspensions, unless the suspension order expressly provides otherwise.

4. Responsibilities of Government Agencies

The following agencies have specific responsibilities:

• DepEd: Lead implementation, issue guidelines, monitor compliance, and support learning continuity.
• DILG: Coordinate with LGUs and facilitate necessary school safety clearances.
• PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and DENR-EMB: Issue hazard advisories and provide technical guidance.
• DPWH: Conduct site-specific assessments of affected educational facilities and infrastructure.

5. Implementing Guidelines Within 30 Days

Under Section 7, DepEd, in coordination with concerned government agencies, must issue implementing guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of EO No. 130.

These guidelines will establish:

• Specific warning levels and technical thresholds triggering automatic suspensions.
• Criteria and documentary requirements for school-level suspensions.
• Procedures for declaring and lifting suspensions.
• Safety assessment requirements.
• Coordination protocols among schools, LGUs, and national agencies.
• Learning continuity arrangements.

The order takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

6. What This Means for Teachers and School Heads

For public school teachers, school heads, and School DRRM Coordinators, the new executive order has several important implications.

First, class suspensions will become more standardized and science-based, reducing reliance on discretionary announcements.

Second, school heads and authorized officials may initiate school-specific suspensions when documented hazards threaten safety, subject to prescribed requirements.

Third, schools must assess their facilities, surroundings, and access routes before resuming face-to-face classes.

Fourth, teachers may still be required to implement alternative learning delivery or work arrangements during suspensions, depending on applicable guidelines.

Finally, School DRRM Coordinators will have an important supporting role in documenting hazards, conducting risk assessments, coordinating with local authorities, and recommending appropriate protective measures.

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IMPORTANT CLARIFICATIONS

Does EO No. 130 mean classes will automatically be suspended whenever PAGASA issues a warning?

Not necessarily. Automatic suspension applies when the official warning meets the specific technical thresholds prescribed in the implementing guidelines.

Can school heads suspend classes without waiting for the mayor?

The order allows granular suspension through duly authorized school officials, but only under prescribed conditions, supported by documented assessments and coordinated with the concerned LGU.

Will teachers automatically have a day off when classes are suspended?

No. The order distinguishes the suspension of face-to-face classes from the suspension of onsite work. Alternative work arrangements and learning continuity measures may still apply.

Does the order cover private schools?

Yes. It covers public and private educational institutions and learning centers.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Executive Order No. 130 shifts the country's class suspension policy toward a more coordinated, risk-based, and school-responsive system.

It recognizes three mechanisms for suspending classes—automatic, localized, and granular—while requiring safety assessments before reopening and promoting uninterrupted learning.

For schools, the priority remains clear: protect learners and personnel, make decisions based on documented risks, and ensure learning continues whenever safely possible.

Reference: Executive Order No. 130, signed October 28, 2026, Sections 1–12.