Marcos seeks new system for faster class suspension announcements

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 17, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PNA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to develop a new system for announcing class suspensions, aiming to make advisories clearer and more timely for students, parents and schools.

The Palace said Marcos wants concerned agencies to come up with a more organized announcement scheme following recurring confusion over which areas are covered by class suspension advisories during severe weather and other emergencies.

The proposed system is expected to improve how suspension announcements are communicated, particularly when weather conditions change rapidly and local governments need to issue decisions based on conditions in their respective areas.

Class suspensions are currently announced through different channels, including national government agencies, local government units and schools. The proposed changes could provide a more coordinated way of delivering information to the public.

The move comes as government agencies continue to deal with the challenges of issuing timely advisories during typhoons, heavy rains and other weather disturbances that can disrupt classes and affect travel.

A clearer system could also help prevent conflicting announcements and give families more time to prepare, particularly in areas where weather conditions deteriorate quickly.

The Palace said the proposed mechanism is intended to make class suspension announcements more efficient and easier for the public to understand, with concerned agencies expected to work on the details of the new system.