SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for more localized and targeted class suspensions instead of blanket, system-wide declarations, warning that repeated weather-related disruptions are worsening learning loss among Filipino students.

Gatchalian said class suspensions are necessary to protect learners and teachers during severe weather, but schools in unaffected areas should be allowed to continue face-to-face classes.

“This is concerning. While we know that class suspensions seek to ensure the safety of learners and teachers, widespread disruption to classes can aggravate learning loss,” Gatchalian said.

The senator noted that weather-related class suspensions have disrupted in-person learning for at least 20 weekdays in various parts of the country over the past 30 days.

He also cited findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) showing that an average of 30 to 50 class days were lost over the past two years due to weather-related suspensions and other disruptions, out of the 180-day school calendar.

Gatchalian stressed that ensuring the safety of students should go hand in hand with maintaining access to education in areas that remain safe.

Under his proposed 21st Century School Boards Act, or Senate Bill No. 53, local school boards would be tasked with implementing timely, organized and localized interventions to ensure the continued delivery of basic education during disasters, calamities and emergencies.

The measure seeks to strengthen local decision-making, allowing class suspensions to be tailored to actual conditions on the ground while minimizing disruptions to learning.