The Department of Education (DepEd) asked principals and school heads in all public elementary and secondary schools on Friday to prepare for the coming storms, three of which are expected to enter the country this month alone.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro also reiterated the guidelines on typhoon advisory to be used as a guide by the public and local decision makers in the event of a typhoon which frequents the country at this time of the year.

According to Luistro, DepEd has existing policies that allow DepEd officials and local government executives to suspend classes at their level.

“This will avoid leaving our children on the streets when heavy rains and strong winds hit certain areas,” he said.

Under DepEd Order No. 28 series of 2005, if signal number 1 is raised by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), classes in pre-school are automatically suspended or cancelled in the affected areas.

If signal number 2 is raised, classes from pre-school, elementary and high school are automatically suspended or cancelled.

In the absence of storm signals, localized suspension is allowed by the order. The decision may be made by the school principal, division superintendent or local government executive. The final decision to let the child go to school or not is also left with the parents.

“Local suspension and parental decision are allowed since parents and officials on the ground have a better idea about the situation in their areas,” said Luistro.

Meanwhile, DepEd School Engineering Chief, Engineer Oliver Hernandez said the department has engineers and physical facilities coordinators at the regional and division levels who monitor the state of schools.

“Funds for the repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of typhoon damaged school buildings are immediately being requested if the need arises,” Hernandez said.

When asked about schools in flood-prone areas, Hernandez said that DepEd is currently working with the local executives in securing better locations for the schools.

“It is particularly difficult to move a school site in areas where the whole city or municipality is flood prone. Our personnel and those from the LGU instead look for means to ensure immediate resumption of classes in the event of class disruption,” he said.