Students from City Central Elementary School and Abellana National High School in Cebu were seen wearing face masks as they hurried home following the suspension of classes after ashfall from the eruption of Mount Kanlaon reached the city on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
DepEd 7 Emphasizes Learning Continuity Protocols
The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd 7) highlighted its learning continuity protocols to guide schools during emergencies, as disruptions from the Kanlaon Volcano eruption continue. In an online press conference on Thursday, July 9, 2026, DepEd 7 Regional Information Officer Amaryllis Villarmia said DepEd Order No. 14, Series of 2026 provides the framework for schools to make informed decisions and ensure that education continues despite emergency situations.
“Gusto namo ipahibalo sa kadaghanan nga naa ta’y DepEd Order 14, Series of 2026 that learning continues despite of these emergencies,” Villarmia stated. “Kani na order it actually supports our school heads in making informed decisions for the safety and well being of DepEd stakeholders in all phases of emergency.”
Class Suspensions in Cebu Following Ashfall
Several schools across Cebu immediately ordered the suspension of classes following reports of volcanic ashfall after Mount Kanlaon erupted. While DepEd provides the framework and support, Villarmia reiterated that decisions on class suspensions remain with local government units, which assess the conditions and hazards in their respective areas.
She added that some municipalities that have not yet declared class suspensions may still be conducting their respective assessments following the volcanic activity. She explained that the order guides schools on the appropriate actions to take depending on the severity of an emergency, including determining when classes may resume based on safety assessments, whether through a regular classroom setup, flexible learning, or alternative delivery modes in learners’ respective homes.
