The Department of Education (DepEd) has suspended classes in public and private elementary and secondary schools in typhoon-affected areas in Regions I, II, III and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus announced the suspension of classes starting yesterday until Wednesday.

Areas in Central and Northern Luzon that were hard hit by typhoon “Pepeng” include: Region I, the province of Pangasinan; Region III, the towns of Paniqui, Moncada, San Manuel, Ramos, Anao, Pura, and La Paz in Tarlac province; Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija; and Baguio City. However, classes in other areas, including those in Region II, resumed Monday.

“Localized suspension in such areas may be made by local authorities in schools which may still be flooded, used as evacuation centers, or unsafe for students,” Lapus said.

Lapus said initial damage to the regions’ 459 public schools has already reached more than R202 million as of Sunday.

Lapus added at least 120 public schools are now being used as evacuation centers for some 5,334 families affected by Pepeng.

Meanwhile, Lapus urged all the Department’s employees to refrain from lavish celebrations in the wake of the widespread devastation brought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

“Observe austerity and simplicity in the offices,” Lapus said in a memorandum circulated to all DepEd officials and school heads.

“The act of engaging in lavish celebrations and display of wealth at this time when the country is reeling from severe losses in lives and property is unlawful and unconscionable,” Lapus explained.

Lapus warned that any DepEd personnel who will be found violating the order will be dealt with severely.

DepEd is currently in the thick of rehabilitation and relief work, with priority to aiding its affected teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils and other victims.