Issue:

The Philippines is an archipelago which is known to be a gate of tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia. About an average of 19 - 21 tropical cyclones are known to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). All these that enter the PAR are not always 100% sure to landfall. However, total safety is also not assured when these storms make an appearance. 

These tropical cyclones come in different signal numbers which can cause devastation as it goes up. It destroys houses, infrastructures and nature itself. This is due to the heavy rainfalls, strong winds, and enormous floodings.

The Department of Education (DepEd) established the DepEd Order 022 s2024, which is the revised guidelines on class and work suspensions in schools during disasters and emergencies. This order outlines guidelines in suspending in-person classes in times of disasters and emergencies. Its goal is to safeguard learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel from potential harm, while ensuring learning continuity.

The goal of the order is really set to make the learners feel safe. However, the continuity of learning through online classes and other modalities may not seem that beneficial at times. In this time of typhoons that can bring heavy flooding and strong winds that can blow away establishments, does it really benefit the learners, when they have schoolworks that they need to do instead of focusing on their own safety and their families.

Moreover, online classes may sound great, but it is not always feasible for most situations especially in times of typhoons. Because of the heavy rainfalls and strong winds some electric sources are shut down. Also, the connection to Wi-Fi network or even data connection is not assured to be strong enough to participate in online classes.

This petition of ours is to emphasize on the safety and wellness of learners in the midst of the storm. May the DepEd hear out this change in the order, to lessen the obligations of every learner and focus on catering their needs in the times of disasters like these typhoons or tropical cyclones.