To: Regional Directors and Schools Superintendents
Heads of State Colleges and Universities
Heads of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities

1. Statement of Policy. It is DECS policy to observe as much as possible student contact hours in the elementary level, at the same time that contingencies are provided in case of inclement weather. However, during the rains of June 23, the use of the typhoon signal alone proved inadequate, since typhoon signals measure the force of wind, while the problem came from flooding. On the other hand, even at the height of the flood less than one third of the elementary school population in the National Capital Region were affected. The concept of the suspension of classes but only for flood- prone schools will therefore be put into effect, in addition to the typhoon signal.
2. Suspension of classes. Henceforth, classes in all elementary and secondary schools will continue to be automatically suspended upon the announcement of Typhoon Signal No. 3, as before, the suspension valid for the whole day. In addition, however, classes in flood-prone elementary schools will also be automatically suspended for the whole day if any of the following conditions exist, as determined by PAGASA:
   1. Continuous heavy rainfall for the past six hours up to 4:00 o’clock in the morning, enough to cause flood waters in flood-prone areas to rise up to knee-deep, or
   2. Continuous moderate rainfall for the past three hours up to 4:00 o’clock in the morning, when rain has been falling in Metro Manila for the past twelve hours, causing flood waters in flood-prone areas to rise up to knee-deep.
3. Announcement of Suspension of Classes. The DECS Regional Director for the National Capital Region or his authorized representative shall announce the suspension of classes in some or all of the schools concerned, as the case may be, after consultation with PAGASA, no later than 4:30 o’clock in the morning. Such announcement shall be done primarily through the broadcast media. Such announcements will be without prejudice to further announcements later on in the day, whether it involves the inception of Typhoon Signal No. 3 or the onset of floods.
4. List of Flood-Prone Schools. The DECS Regional Director shall prepare and publicize the list of those public elementary schools included in the flood-warning suspension announcement. Essentially, these are likely to be the same schools which were flooded during the June 23 flood. Individual private schools may determine if they wish to be included in the flood-warning school group, and notify their own pupils and parents accordingly. As before, the suspension of classes does not excuse teachers and other school personnel from reporting for work.
5. Effectivity. This Order shall be effective immediately. Any previous issuance of this Office the provisions of which may be inconsistent with this Order shall be deemed revoked or modi¬fied accordingly, including DECS Order No. 68, s. 1993, DECS Order No. 32 s. 1990, MECS Order No. 42, s. 1986, and DECS Order No. 53 s. 1988.

References:
DECS Order No. 68, s. 1993 DECS Order No. 32, s. 1990 DECS Order No. 53, s. 1988 MECS Order No. 43, s. 1986
Allotment: 1-2-3-4—(M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CALAMITY
POLICY
SCHOOLS
CLASSES
PUPILS
STUDENTS
OFFICIALS
RULES & REGULATIONS
TEACHERS