President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 130, establishing new guidelines for the suspension and resumption of face-to-face classes and onsite work in public and private schools.

Under the new order, schools may decide to temporarily suspend in-person classes if there is a documented threat to the safety of students and personnel within their premises, provided that no automatic or local government-ordered suspension is in effect.

“The power to suspend includes the authority to postpone, cancel, or temporarily discontinue in-person classes and activities, and onsite work, in whole or in part, as may be necessary to protect the safety and welfare of learners and personnel,” the EO stated.

Schools may also request to resume face-to-face classes even while a local suspension order remains in place. However, this will require a safety assessment and the approval of the concerned local chief executive.

The new policy seeks to protect learners and school personnel while minimizing unnecessary disruptions to education.

EO No. 130 also amends certain provisions of Executive Order No. 66, Series of 2012, which previously served as the basis for suspending classes and government office work during calamities and severe weather conditions.