DepEd-7: Schools allowed to suspend classes on EDSA day if

Local

SOME schools in Central Visayas may suspend classes on February 25 to mark the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, as long as they comply with the required number of school days, according to the Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd 7).

DepEd-7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said private institutions have the flexibility to set their academic calendars, allowing them to schedule non-class days for religious observances or significant historical events.

He emphasized that DepEd recognizes this autonomy as long as schools meet the required 180 non-negotiable school days.

Jimenez pointed out that Catholic schools frequently declare holidays on their patron saint’s feast day as part of their academic calendar.

However, public schools must follow national policies and cannot suspend classes without authorization.

Jimenez clarified that local government units, not DepEd, hold the authority to declare class suspensions.

Schools must comply with any executive order from local officials, except in cases of calamities, where automatic suspensions apply.

Since the Marcos administration has classified February 25 as a special working holiday, public schools will hold regular classes unless local authorities issue a suspension.

Despite the national policy, some schools have chosen to suspend classes in observance of the EDSA commemoration.

Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Cebu City announced that it will not hold classes on February 25, stating that the school recognizes the EDSA People Power

Revolution’s historic significance.

The institution emphasized that the commemoration honors the Filipino people's hope, unity, and faith, which led to peaceful transformation.

The University of the Philippines (UP) System has also declared February 25 as an Alternative Learning Day. UP President Angelo Jimenez signed Administrative Order No. PAJ 25-17, giving chancellors the discretion to determine class and work arrangements for their campuses.

UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar suspended work and classes, while UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr. shifted to an online asynchronous setup.

The UP System encouraged its community to take part in activities commemorating the historic event.

Former senator Bam Aquino expressed support for those upholding the spirit of EDSA, stating that he stands with Filipinos who recognize the importance of remembering the event.

He urged people to keep the memory of EDSA alive, emphasizing that Filipinos stood together and fought for the freedom they enjoy today.

While some institutions will observe the anniversary with class suspensions, public schools will remain open unless a local government directive states otherwise.(MyTVCebu)