The Angeles City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, has issued a reminder to both public and private schools that they have the authority to suspend classes during severe weather conditions. This measure is meant to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and school staff in times of inclement weather.
In a recent coordination meeting led by Mayor Lazatin, Councilors Edu Pamintuan and Maricel Morales, along with representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Angeles City Association of Private Schools (ACAPS), guidelines were clarified regarding class suspensions during typhoons and heavy rainfall. The city government emphasized a unified and safety-first approach when responding to weather disturbances.
As per established protocols, class suspensions are automatically enforced based on the typhoon signal levels issued by PAGASA. For Signal No. 1, classes in kindergarten are suspended. When Signal No. 2 is raised, all classes from kindergarten to senior high school (Grades 11 and 12) are canceled. For Signal No. 3 and above, there will be no classes across all educational levels.
Rainfall warnings are also taken into account. When a Yellow Rainfall Warning is issued, school administrators have the discretion to declare localized class suspensions based on the specific conditions in their areas. However, under Orange or Red Rainfall Warnings, class suspensions are automatic and mandatory for all levels.
To ensure clear communication, schools are encouraged to report any class suspension decisions to the Angeles City Information Office (CIO) as early as possible. The CIO will then publish the list of schools with suspended classes through the city’s official Facebook page, enabling the public to stay informed in real time.
Mayor Lazatin highlighted the importance of timely decision-making and coordination during extreme weather. He encouraged school leaders to prioritize caution and act swiftly to prevent any potential harm to students, especially in flood-prone or landslide-risk areas within the city.
The Angeles City Government assures the public that it remains committed to disaster preparedness and responsive governance. It continues to work closely with schools, barangays, and national agencies to ensure that every Angeleño, especially children, is safe and informed during weather-related emergencies.
