[Walang Pasok] Class suspensions, Thursday, September 18, 2025: Several areas across the Philippines have announced suspension of classes in anticipation of heavy rains, flooding, and safety risks caused by prevailing weather conditions. Both public and private schools at different levels are affected, and local government units, together with the Department of Education (DepEd), have issued guidelines for students, parents, and teachers.
Weather Disturbance and Safety Concerns
The Philippines remains vulnerable to severe tropical disturbances during the monsoon season. As of Thursday, September 18, 2025, various regions reported relentless rainfall due to a combination of the southwest monsoon and an approaching low-pressure area east of Luzon. These weather conditions prompted local government units to issue class suspensions for the safety of learners.
The persistent rainfall has raised risks of flash floods, landslides, and transportation disruptions, prompting urgent attention. Safety remains the primary concern, especially in low-lying communities and hazard-prone urban centres.
Areas with Announced Suspensions
Local government offices have listed areas with full or partial class suspensions. The suspension covers public and private institutions, depending on the severity of the weather situation.
Table of Class Suspensions: Thursday, September 18, 2025
| Region/Province/City | Level of Suspension | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | Pre-school to Senior High School | Public and Private Schools |
| Cavite Province | All levels | Public and Private Schools |
| Rizal Province | Pre-school and elementary levels | Public and Private Schools |
| Quezon Province | All levels in selected municipalities | DepEd-supervised schools |
| Laguna | Only in flood-affected towns | Public and Private |
| Bulacan Province | Municipalities under Red Rainfall Alert | All levels |
| Pampanga | Selected towns near riverbanks | Public and Private Schools |
| Bicol Region | All levels in coastal municipalities | Public and Private Schools |
| Northern Samar | All levels | Public and Private Schools |
The scope of suspensions may expand depending on the monitored rainfall intensity and additional warnings issued by PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration). Parents are advised to check advisories from their city or municipality through verified government channels.
DepEd Guidelines on Class Suspensions
The Department of Education has outlined automatic suspension policies that help guide decision-making:
- When Signal No. 1 is raised, pre-school classes in affected areas are suspended.
- When Signal No. 2 is declared, suspension covers pre-school to senior high school.
- Under Signal No. 3 and above, all classes, including higher education, are suspended.
- In addition to storm warnings, heavy rainfall alerts and flooding hazards also trigger suspensions.
Parents and guardians retain the discretion to decide on student attendance if localised flooding or unsafe conditions make travel hazardous, even without official suspension notices.
Impact on Daily Activities
The suspension of classes affects routines not only for students and teachers but also for parents and local communities. For working-class families, class cancellations often mean adjustments in childcare and disruptions to work schedules.
Public transportation also faces challenges, especially in areas engulfed by flooding. Roads become impassable, ferrying students and workers is delayed, and overall mobility slows down across cities.
For teachers and school administrators, suspensions require calendar adjustments to ensure learning continuity. The DepEd encourages the use of modular instruction and digital platforms where applicable to avoid educational backlogs.
Safety Reminders During Suspensions
Suspensions are primarily enacted to give families time to secure themselves from calamities. Authorities strongly advise:
- Avoiding floodwaters to prevent waterborne illnesses.
- Staying tuned to real-time updates through radios, community bulletins, and official announcements.
- Preparing emergency kits with essential supplies.
- Charging electronic devices for communication in case of prolonged power outages.
In communities located near riverbanks and mountainous areas, local disaster management councils reinforce precautionary evacuations to keep households safe.
Government and Local Response
The government’s disaster management councils, in collaboration with barangay-level officials, have set up emergency response teams. These units assist in monitoring flood-prone areas, coordinating evacuations where necessary, and providing temporary shelters.
Local offices also emphasise coordination between schools and disaster offices to ensure that campuses used as evacuation centres are well-prepared and remain safe for both evacuees and students.
Anticipated Weather Outlook
According to recent forecasts, heavy rains are expected to continue until late Thursday evening with possible extension into Friday. PAGASA has warned that rainfall could intensify, leading to serious flooding in the central and southern Luzon areas and enhancing the risk of landslides in mountainous regions.
Residents and communities are encouraged to maintain heightened vigilance as monsoon rains interact with tropical systems. Depending on the development of the low-pressure area near Luzon, areas under suspension could expand further in the coming days.
Educational Continuity Online
As face-to-face classes are disrupted, schools have increasingly turned to digital platforms for continued learning. Teachers may provide online discussions, home-based modules, and self-guided activities to ensure students remain engaged academically. DepEd likewise reminds students that suspension of physical classes does not necessarily translate into academic breaks but rather a shift towards independent learning whenever possible.
Community Resilience and Cooperation
As with every calamity affecting the Philippines, community cooperation plays a pivotal role in weathering the crisis. Local neighbourhoods have set up volunteer groups to assist in dissemination of advisories, rescue operations, and relief distribution.
The resilience of communities in times of weather-related disasters reflects the long-standing spirit of bayanihan, where Filipinos unite to protect one another and extend support in the face of adversity.
FAQs
1. What is Walang Pasok?
It means class suspension in the Philippines, usually declared due to typhoons, heavy rains, flooding, or other emergencies affecting safety.
2. Who decides on class suspensions?
The decision can come from local government units, DepEd, or in some cases, school administrators, depending on the severity of the weather.
3. Do class suspensions apply to both public and private schools?
Yes, unless specified otherwise. Most LGU declarations cover both public and private institutions in the affected area.
4. Are universities included in suspensions?
Yes, when weather signals reach higher levels or when local advisories explicitly extend to higher education. Otherwise, universities may exercise independent discretion.
5. Can parents still keep children home despite no suspension order?
Yes. DepEd affirms that parents have the discretion to keep their children safe during hazardous conditions even if classes are not officially cancelled.