Preventive class suspensions are not just random cancellations of classes. They are part of a serious effort by the Department of Education (DepEd) to keep students, teachers, and school staff safe. These suspensions are planned ahead of time to prepare schools for possible disasters like earthquakes or dangerous weather. They also help schools protect people from sickness.

Let me explain why this is important, and what it means for your child’s education.

What Are Preventive Class Suspensions?

Preventive class suspensions mean stopping classes before something dangerous happens. This could be before a big storm, an earthquake, or when there is a risk of disease spreading. The goal is to avoid putting students and school staff in danger.

According to a recent DepEd advisory dated October 13, 2025, preventive suspensions are part of their safety measures. These are not done randomly. Instead, they are planned by Regional Offices and Schools Division Offices of DepEd to give time for safety checks and planning.

Why DepEd Uses Preventive Suspensions

The main reason is school safety. Schools are checked for their structural strength during these suspensions. This means engineers and school officials look at buildings and classrooms to make sure they are safe in case a strong earthquake or other disaster happens.

Here are some of the important things done during these suspensions:

• Structural inspection of buildings
• Health safety checks to prevent the spread of sickness
• Preparation of emergency plans
• Safety drills and training for teachers and staff

These actions help schools get ready for any emergency. By doing this before something bad happens, schools reduce the risk of injury or worse.

Do Students Still Learn During Suspensions?

Yes. Even if classes are stopped physically, learning continues.

During preventive class suspensions, DepEd encourages schools to use alternative learning methods. This may include:

• Online classes (if available)
• Printed learning modules
• Educational TV and radio programs
• Group chats or messaging with teachers for updates

The goal is to keep education going while keeping everyone safe. Safety is the top priority, but learning should not stop.

Who Makes the Decision to Suspend Classes?

The decision is made by:

• Regional Offices of DepEd
• Schools Division Offices
• In some cases, local governments also help make the decision

They look at warnings from agencies like PAGASA (weather updates), PHIVOLCS (earthquake alerts), and DOH (health advisories). If there is any sign of danger, they may suspend classes to give time for preparation and inspections.

Role of Parents and Local Government

DepEd says that parents, teachers, and local governments play a big role in making these safety efforts work.

As a parent, you can:

• Support your child’s learning at home during suspensions
• Help schools during safety drills and meetings
• Stay informed by checking DepEd announcements and local news

Schools cannot do this alone. Everyone in the community must work together to make sure our children are safe and ready during emergencies.

Real-Life Example

Last year, our school was part of a preventive class suspension due to an earthquake warning. At first, I thought it was just another free day. But later, I found out that our school building needed some repairs. The time off allowed the school to fix the problem before anything bad happened. It made me realize that these suspensions can actually save lives.

How It Helps the Whole Community

When schools are safe, the whole community becomes safer. Many schools are used as evacuation centers during disasters. If the school building is not safe, it can’t help the community during emergencies.

By checking schools early, DepEd makes sure that they are not only safe for learning but also ready to help others when needed.

Conclusion

Preventive class suspensions are not something to be taken lightly. They are a smart and responsible move to protect the lives of students, teachers, and everyone in school. They also make sure that education continues, even during uncertain times.

If you are a parent, teacher, or student, support these efforts. They are for your safety and for the good of everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)