Proposed Guidelines on Cancellation/Suspension of Classes/Work in the Visayas State University
due to Typhoon, Flooding, Other Weather Disturbances and Calamities
(BOR Resolution No. 162, s. 2024)
1. Introduction
The safety and security o f students and employees are of paramount importance, especially during typhoons, flooding, and other weather disturbances and calamities. Thus, guidelines governing classes and work suspension o r cancellation must b e established to ensure clarity and consistency. This period of the year coincides with the so-called typhoon season in the Philippines. Thus, while the University is fine-tuning its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, these guidelines are being proposed t o ensure the safety o f everyone and This period or the very timely issuance of appropriate memoranda.
1.A. Typhoon
The University shall adopt CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, S . 2012 amending CMO 34, series of 2010, titled "Clarificatory Guidelines for the Suspension of Classes in Higher Education Institutions (HEls) due to Typhoons/Storms, Flooding and other Weather Disturbances" to wit:
1.A.1 Classes at the collegiate level, including graduate school, in the affected area, are automatically cancelled o r suspended when Signal No. 3 i s raised b y the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and announced through various media outlets.”
1.A.2 Classes at the collegiate level, including graduate school, may be cancelled or suspended at the discretion of local chief executive local Government Units and/or heads o f HEls if special circumstances in their area such a s flooding, road damage, etc. warrant it. HEls are also advised to monitor National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announcements where disasters and calamities are present.
1.A.3 Local chief executives and/or HEl heads or their duly authorized representatives shall make the announcement for the cancellation o r suspension of classes not later than 4:30 AM of the day when cancellation or suspension shall take effect, using all available media outlets (radio, TV, SMS, website and other forms o f social media). School heads are advised to use proper discretion since there are times it is safe to keep the students in school rather than expose them to greater danger.
1.A.4 Even without cancellation or suspension of classes, students who are unable to report to class or participate in scheduled activities such a s exams due to inclement weather shall be given consideration and be allowed to make up for the missed class or activity.
1.A.5 The DRRMO shall monitor weather conditions so that even i f there is no tropical cyclone wind signal or a wind signal No. 1 is raised, the CMC may recommend suspension o r cancellation of classes to the President, provided any of the following is present:
- Red Rainfall Warning: Heavy rainfall in the past 12 hours.
- Orange Rainfall Warning: Heavy rainfall i n the past 2 4 hours.
- Yellow Rainfall Warning: High alert; keep posted for advisories from PAGASA.
1.B. Flood
1.B.1. Work and classes are automatically suspended when PAG-ASA issues a Flood Warning.
1.B.2 Work, and classes are automatically suspended when the LGU issues a flood warning or when upon assessment o f the DRRM Office the university is facing imminent threat/danger of flooding.
1.B.3. When the Flood Warning i s issued a t a time when classes have already began, the University shall immediately suspend the classes and work and send everyone home, if i t is safe to do so. However, the university is obligated to keep the students and personnel safely in school if travelling has become unsafe.
1.C. Earthquake. The DOST PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) will b e used as reference/basis for the suspension/cancellation of classes and work in VSU.
1.C.1. Classes and work shall be automatically suspended if an intensity V (five) earthquake is declared b y PHIVOLCS.
1.C.2. The President through the recommendation of the DRRM Office shall decide on the suspension/cancellation of work and classes for earthquake.
1.C.3 The President through the recommendation of the DRRM Office can cancel/suspend classes and work at any Intensity Scale if upon assessment buildings and other structures are seen to b e in danger of collapsing or is found to have major damage.
1.C.4 The DRRM Officer shall request the Office of Building Official o f the City o f Baybay to assess the damage and safety o f buildings after and before an earthquake if said structures are found to be in danger o f collapsing or with major damage.
1.D. Integrated High School
DepEd Order No. 037, series of 2022 "Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Power Interruption and other Calamities" dated September 1 , 2022 shall apply to the students o f the VSU Integrated High School.
1.E. Maintenance of a skeletal force when classes and work are suspended.
1.E.1. When face-to-face classes are suspended/cancelled, classes will automatically shift to an asynchronous modality, to avoid disrupting the academic calendar.
1.E.2. When classes or work are suspended all students and employees shall not report except for employees whose work involves providing essential services such as medical and emergency response, security, feeding o f animals and electrical services.
1.F. Conduct o f Psychological First Aid
To ensure a conducive class and working environment, addressing the immediate needs o f the students and employees i n the aftermath of disasters, the guidance and counselling units of the University shall assess the mental health and psychosocial support needs and services and take the lead in the conduct of psychological first aide in coordination with the University services for health, emergency and rescue. Concerned units are empowered to conduct capability building activities towards this end. intensity IV (four) and below is declared.
