Bohol sets unified rules for class 

suspension during earthquakes

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — To ensure safety and consistency in decision-making during earthquakes, local government units in Bohol, together with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), have agreed on common criteria for suspending classes in the province.

The joint protocol was established during an emergency coordination meeting called by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado on Oct. 14 at the Provincial Capitol’s Ceremonial Hall.

Aumentado said the move aims to promote coordinated, evidence-based decisions among local governments and schools, ensuring that class suspensions are based on data and safety assessments rather than panic.

“Mag-issue kita og Executive Order bahin niini aron lig-on ug hapsay ang atong mga pamaagi (We will issue an executive order on this to make our procedures firm and orderly),” the governor said.

During the meeting, PPDRRMO Head Dr. Anthony Damalerio presented the common criteria agreed upon by the LMP and DepEd, consistent with DepEd Department Order No. 22, s. 2024, which provides national guidelines for class suspension and cancellation during natural calamities.

Under the harmonized provincial framework:Intensity 4 and below: No automatic suspension of classes. Schools and LGUs must immediately conduct safety inspections and structural assessments; Localized suspension may be declared if cracks or damage are found.

Intensity 5: Automatic assessment and inspection of public structures will be conducted.

Intensity 6 and above: Automatic suspension of classes will take effect.

Aumentado said an executive order will be issued to formalize these guidelines across all LGUs and national government offices in Bohol.

Clear guidelines for decision-making

Former LMP-Bohol President and Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo expressed gratitude to Aumentado, the provincial government, DepEd, Phivolcs, PAGASA, LDRRMOs, and fellow mayors for addressing his earlier concerns about unclear class suspension protocols.

“Now the mayors have a clear guide on who and when to order the suspension,” Duallo said.

Days before the meeting, Duallo shared on social media that local officials often feel pressured to suspend classes when other municipalities announce suspensions, even without official guidance.

The new framework seeks to eliminate confusion and ensure class suspensions are based on safety assessments rather than public pressure. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (2nd from right) meets with Bohol mayors, DepEd officials, and Phivolcs Bohol representatives on Oct. 14 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol to establish uniform guidelines for decision-making during earthquakes. (PGBh photo)