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Ever had one of those weeks when everything seems to happen at once? That’s what students and parents in the Philippines are facing right now. With recent earthquakes shaking Cebu, Davao, and Surigao—on top of flu season hitting hard—the Department of Education (DepEd) may suspend classes October 13–17 to give students a much-needed health break. Let’s unpack what this means and why it matters.
Why DepEd May Suspend Classes October 13–17
When natural disasters and health concerns overlap, schools often become the first to adjust. DepEd is considering a temporary suspension of classes to ensure both safety and wellness.
Here’s why:
Davao Oriental: On October 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, followed hours later by a 6.8 aftershock. The tremors triggered tsunami warnings and caused building damage across Mindanao.
Cebu: Just days earlier, Cebu was rattled by tremors linked to the Mindanao quakes. The Sept. 30 magnitude 6.9 quake in northern Cebu left dozens dead and damaged infrastructure. On October 10, another strong quake from Davao was felt in Cebu, forcing evacuations in government buildings.
Surigao del Sur: On October 11, a magnitude 6.2 quake hit near Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. It was felt strongly in Davao City and surrounding provinces, with Phivolcs warning of aftershocks and possible damage.
Flu season: October is a peak month for influenza in the Philippines, and crowded classrooms can accelerate the spread.
Student well-being: A short break can help students recover physically and mentally, especially after stressful events like earthquakes.
To minimize disruption, DepEd has also indicated that modular and online classes will be in place during the suspension period. This ensures students can continue learning safely from home while schools assess structural safety and communities recover.
Earthquakes and Education in the Philippines
The Philippines has a long history of adjusting school schedules due to natural disasters.
In 1990, a massive earthquake in Luzon forced schools to close for weeks.
Typhoons regularly cause class suspensions, with announcements often made just hours before school starts.
DepEd has standing guidelines that allow local officials to suspend classes during emergencies.
Did You Know? The Philippines experiences an average of 20 earthquakes a day, though most are too weak to be felt. This constant seismic activity is why preparedness drills, like the nationwide “ShakeDrill,” are part of school life.
Health Breaks: More Than Just Rest Days
While earthquakes grab headlines, the health break is equally important. Flu outbreaks can spread quickly in schools, leading to absenteeism and even community-wide health risks.
Some quick facts about flu in the Philippines:
The Department of Health reports that flu cases typically spike between June and November.
Children are among the most vulnerable groups, often bringing the virus home to families.
Preventive breaks, like the one being considered, can slow down transmission.
Common Questions About Class Suspensions
Q: Will classes move online during the suspension?
A: Yes. DepEd has clarified that modular and online learning will continue so students don’t fall behind. Printed modules will be distributed in advance, and schools with internet access will hold virtual sessions.
Q: How will parents know if suspensions are official?
A: DepEd usually posts announcements on its official website and social media pages. Local government units also release advisories.
Q: Do suspensions apply nationwide?
A: Not always. Sometimes they’re localized, depending on the impact of earthquakes or health concerns in specific regions.
A Personal Take
I remember being a student when classes were suddenly suspended due to a typhoon. At first, it felt like an unexpected holiday, but looking back, it was really about safety and giving families time to prepare. The same logic applies here—these breaks aren’t just about missing school, they’re about protecting lives and giving everyone a chance to breathe. Having online and modular classes now makes it easier to keep learning without the stress of unsafe classrooms.
Staying Safe and Healthy
Whether or not DepEd suspends classes October 13–17, the message is clear: safety and health come first. The recent earthquakes in Cebu, Davao, and Surigao are a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability, while flu season highlights the importance of rest and prevention. With modular and online classes in place, students can stay safe while continuing their education.
What do you think—should schools take more proactive breaks during times like these? Share your thoughts in the comments or pass this along to someone who might need the update.