The Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), following a consultation with the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), yesterday suspended classes after tropical storm ‘Ondoy’ flooded most parts of Luzon and Metro Manila.

DepEd announced yesterday afternoon the suspension of classes in all public and private primary and secondary highs schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Rizal province.

“All classes on all levels in NCR and Rizal are suspended tomorrow.

Homes and access roads still flooded.

Some schools which are not flooded or damaged are being used as evacuation centers.

“In other municipalities or areas, local government and school authorities may exercise judgment on suspending classes depending on local conditions,” Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said.

“We ask the public to help instill order in and care of evacuation premises and properties,” he added.

CHEd Chairman Emmanuel Angeles also suspended classes in the tertiary level to allow colleges and universities to give way to goverment rescue and relief efforts to thousands of people displaced from their homes due to “Ondoy’s” fury.

Angeles appealed to higher education institutions to provide assistance to government by sending out medical missions to hard-hit areas like Marikina, Rizal, and Pasig, which remain flooded.

“Universities and colleges in Metro Manila and nearby provinces that are not affected by the massive floods should help in the rescue efforts by sending medical students to help residents who need immediate medical attention,” Angeles urged.

Angeles said that classes in tertiary levels are suspended in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) area, some areas in Region 4, and Bulacan.