DUE to the health risks that may be posed by Taal Volcano smog, Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday said schools are allowed to suspend face-to-face classes as necessary.

The Department of Education issued a Memorandum Order No. 046 series of 2024 wherein affected schools are given the discretion to suspend classes if their local government units have not yet announced.

“[T]he decision to lift the suspension will depend on whether it is safe for learners and teachers to return. Concerned personnel are advised to stay updated through news and announcements from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology,” the memo read.

For learning continuity, DepEd instructs them to use alternative learning modalities such as modular and online learning to continue learning in public schools.

Over 40 LGUs have suspended face-to-face classes on Monday due to the effect of volcanic smog from Taal Volcano.