(In reference to PAGASA Weather Advisory No. 1 on the shear line, issued on January 4, 2025, at 5:00 a.m.)

Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) Weather Advisory No. 1 for the shear line, issued on January 4, 2025, at 5:00 a.m., a heavy rainfall outlook (50–100 mm) has been issued this morning for the following areas: Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras.

Meanwhile, for tomorrow, PAGASA is also expecting the same heavy rainfall outlook in the following provinces: Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.

Regarding class and work suspension, public schools and government offices mainly adhere to the guidelines stipulated in DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, also known as the Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies, aligned with Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012, titled Prescribing Rules on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Government Offices due to Typhoons, Flooding, and Other Weather Disturbances, signed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Under these guidelines:

• When PAGASA raises Signal No. 1, classes for kindergarten in the affected areas shall be automatically suspended.
• When Signal No. 2 is raised, face-to-face classes for kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school (up to Grade 10) in the affected areas shall be automatically suspended. Elementary and junior high schools shall shift to modular distance learning.
• When Signal No. 3 or higher is issued, classes and work at all levels in the affected areas shall be automatically suspended.

Moreover, the local chief executive of the affected areas may issue an executive order declaring the suspension of classes and work in their capacity as Chairperson of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC).

Sometimes, weather conditions become unstable or erratic due to other atmospheric factors that do not warrant the issuance of a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal. Hence, PAGASA has developed Heavy Rainfall and Flood Warning systems, as also stipulated in the said DepEd Order, to help ensure the safety of learners and government workers during severe weather conditions.

Under a Yellow Rainfall Warning, which indicates possible flooding and heavy rain in affected areas, the Schools Division Superintendent is advised to coordinate with the local government unit (LGU) for possible localized class and work suspension, provided that a shift to modular distance learning is implemented.

When an Orange or Red Rainfall Warning—which signifies intense rainfall and critical flooding levels—is issued after classes have already started, school heads are directed to immediately suspend classes and work from kindergarten to Grade 12, including the Alternative Learning System (ALS), as deemed safe. However, if traveling home becomes unsafe at the time the warning is issued, school administrators are required to ensure the safety of learners within the school premises until it is safe for them to return home.

Meanwhile, when an Orange or Red Rainfall Warning is issued before classes begin, classes and work from kindergarten to Grade 12, including ALS, shall be automatically suspended.

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