Marcos signs EO 130: New Class Suspension Rules

Marcos Signs EO 130: New Class Suspension Rules

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 130, establishing a new, science-based framework for the suspension and resumption of in-person classes, school activities, and onsite work in educational institutions nationwide.

Signed on October 28, 2026, through Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, EO 130 amends the 2012 guidelines (EO No. 66) to harmonize disaster response across public and private schools. The new order aims to protect students and school personnel from natural and human-induced hazards while ensuring uninterrupted education through learning continuity measures.

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How Class Suspensions Work Under EO 130: 3 Core Mechanisms

Under Sections 1 and 4 of Executive Order No. 130, canceling and resuming face-to-face classes and onsite work in all Philippine schools and learning centers will follow a three-tiered system:

1. Automatic Class Suspension: In-person classes and onsite work are automatically suspended—without waiting for local government announcements—once national agencies like PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, or the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) issue official warnings, advisories, or alert levels that meet prescribed technical thresholds.
2. Localized Class Suspension: When no automatic national warning is in effect, Local Chief Executives (LCEs) (such as mayors and governors), acting as chairpersons of their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMC), can declare localized suspensions. LCEs must consult with barangay officials, DepEd schools division superintendents, and private school heads to determine the exact scope (whether city-wide or specific barangays) and duration based on local risk assessments.
3. Granular (School-Level) Suspension: If neither the national government nor the LCE declares a suspension, duly authorized officials of individual public or private schools and learning centers can declare a granular suspension. This must be coordinated with the LCE and based on documented, site-specific conditions showing an actual or imminent threat to learners and staff.

Rules on Resuming In-Person Classes

To prevent prolonged disruptions, Section 5 outlines clear rules for returning to school:

• Automatic and Localized Resumption: Face-to-face classes and onsite work automatically resume once the suspension period expires or the hazard warning is lifted, downgraded, or ceased—provided required safety inspections are completed.
• Granular Resumption: Even if a town or city-wide localized suspension is still active, an individual school may request an earlier resumption of in-person classes if documented site-specific assessments prove their campus is safe and accessible, subject to the LCE's approval.

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Shift to Alternative Delivery Modes and Learning Continuity

A key provision in Section 3 of EO 130 states that suspending in-person classes does not automatically suspend learning.

Whenever feasible, affected schools and learning centers must shift to alternative delivery modes (ADM) (such as online or modular learning) and implement flexible work arrangements for personnel. These learning continuity measures will follow policies set by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council.

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Government Agency Roles and 30-Day IRR Timeline

To enforce the new class suspension framework, President Marcos issued specific directives to key agencies under Section 6:

• DepEd: Serves as the lead implementing agency to oversee compliance, coordinate updates, and guide schools on learning continuity.
• DILG: Ensures local government units (LGUs) and local building officials fast-track building permits and safety clearances for schools.
• DPWH: Mobilizes regional offices to conduct rapid, site-specific infrastructure assessments of disaster-hit school buildings.
• PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and DENR-EMB: Tasked with issuing timely hazard advisories and regularly reviewing technical suspension thresholds.

DepEd, alongside CHED, TESDA, DOST, DILG, DPWH, and disaster agencies, has 30 days from the order's effectivity to release the official Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and specific technical thresholds. Meanwhile, the Office of the President retains concurrent authority to suspend or resume classes nationwide or in specific regions at any time for public safety.

Executive Order No. 130 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on EO 130

Does EO 130 apply to private schools and colleges?

Yes. EO 130 covers all public and private educational institutions and learning centers across basic education (DepEd), higher education (CHED), technical-vocational (TESDA), and early childhood education (ECCD).

Are classes automatically canceled altogether during a suspension?

No. EO 130 specifies that suspending in-person classes does not automatically stop learning. Schools are mandated to shift to alternative delivery modes and remote work arrangements whenever practicable.

Can an individual school suspend classes on its own?

Yes, through a "granular suspension," provided there is no existing national or LCE suspension, and the school has documented site-specific hazards coordinated with the local government.

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Download Official Copy of Executive Order No. 130

Read and download the full text of the executive order from the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines:

📄 Download PDF: Executive Order No. 130, s. 2026 (Official Gazette)