TARLAKENYO – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 130, establishing a comprehensive framework for the suspension and resumption of in-person classes, activities, and onsite work in all public and private educational institutions and learning centers.
Signed on October 28, 2026, the order aims to rationalize and harmonize existing rules on class suspensions due to natural or human-induced hazards, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of quality education through “risk-informed, science-based, locally responsive policies.”
The framework is built on three core mechanisms: automatic suspension based on prescribed technical thresholds; localized suspension declared by Local Chief Executives (LCEs); and granular suspension declared by educational institutions themselves based on documented site-specific assessments.
Under the automatic mechanism, suspension takes effect without need of further declaration upon the issuance by PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, DENR-EMB, or other competent national agencies of a warning, advisory, alert level, or forecast that meets the applicable hazard and technical threshold.
In the absence of an automatic suspension, the LCE—as Chairperson of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council—may declare a localized suspension based on documented local risk assessments. The declaration must specify the areas covered and the period of suspension, and the LCE must consult with Punong Barangays, schools division superintendents, and heads of private educational institutions.
Granular suspension may be declared by an educational institution only when there is no applicable suspension from the National Government or the LCE. It requires a determination of an actual or imminent threat to the safety, health, or welfare of learners and personnel based on documented site-specific conditions, in coordination with the LCE.
A key provision states that the suspension of in-person classes “shall not automatically suspend learning.” Schools are directed to implement learning continuity measures and alternative delivery modes whenever feasible and appropriate, consistent with the policies of the ECCD Council, DepEd, CHED, and TESDA. Alternative work arrangements shall likewise be implemented during the suspension of onsite work, unless otherwise expressly provided.
On resumption, in-person classes and onsite work automatically resume upon the expiration of the suspension period or once the applicable warning or declaration has been lifted, downgraded, or ceased, and required safety assessment inspections are completed. Granular resumption may be sought by a school even while a localized suspension remains in effect, subject to a documented site-specific assessment and the concurrence of the concerned LCE. Schools that had declared their own granular suspension may also declare resumption in coordination with the LCE.
The order directs concerned agencies to undertake coordinated actions. The DepEd is designated as the lead implementing agency, tasked with overseeing, monitoring, and coordinating overall implementation and issuing the necessary guidelines within 30 days, in coordination with CHED, TESDA, DOST, PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, DENR-EMB, DILG, DPWH, and other agencies.
The DILG is directed to ensure LGUs facilitate and expedite the processing of building permits and safety clearances required by schools and to monitor compliance. PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and DENR-EMB are tasked with issuing timely technical advisories, periodically reviewing technical thresholds, and disseminating official hazard information. The DPWH is directed to conduct site-specific assessments of affected educational facilities following disasters.
The order preserves the President’s concurrent authority to suspend or resume classes and onsite work nationwide or in specified areas whenever required by public safety, national security, disaster response, public health, or general welfare. Funding for initial implementation shall be charged against current appropriations of the DepEd and other concerned agencies.
EO 130 amends EO No. 66 (s. 2012) insofar as the suspension of in-person classes and onsite work in educational institutions is concerned, and repeals or modifies all inconsistent issuances. It takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation.
