MANILA (October 17) — Frequent class suspensions have caused a 12 to 14 percent drop in Math and Science grades among Grade 4 students, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reported Wednesday.
The commission said nearly 30 percent of school days in 2023–2024 were lost, mostly due to typhoons, earthquakes and other calamities, leading to learning losses equivalent to half to a full school year.
The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier warned that prolonged suspensions can disrupt learning and development, as local governments increasingly suspend in-person classes due to disasters and rising flu cases.
Laguna, Quezon and Cavite have recently declared province-wide suspensions, with schools shifting to online and modular learning.
Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition urged DepEd to postpone the upcoming In-Service Training (INSET) and allow educators a genuine wellness break amid mounting health concerns.
DepEd has partnered with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to guide suspension decisions using scientific data and risk assessments.
