Davao City suspends classes on Jan. 13 for INC rally preparation

Davao City has suspended face-to-face classes for all levels of public and private education on January 13, 2025, in preparation for the Simultaneous Peace Rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). The decision was announced through Proclamation No. 1, Series of 2025, which aims to ensure public order and safety as 10 roads in the city will be temporarily closed for the event. The Local Government Unit (LGU) has also advised private offices and establishments in affected areas to adopt work-from-home arrangements or suspend operations.

Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo, spokesperson for the Department of Education-Davao Region, confirmed that Davao City is the first area to suspend classes for the rally. Atillo noted that the city is still awaiting advisories from other regions but emphasized that Davao has taken the initiative to release information. He clarified that only in-person classes are suspended, allowing schools to continue with online or modular learning.

Dr. Christopher Pio O. Pulido, supervising education program specialist for the Commission on Higher Education-Davao Region (Ched-Davao), stated that higher education institutions (HEIs) have the discretion to cancel classes based on their assessment. He explained that not all HEIs in Davao will be affected by the rally, so it is up to their management to decide whether to suspend classes. Pulido urged HEI administrations to assess the situation early, especially if the event could make it difficult for students to attend onsite classes.

Pulido also noted that most HEIs in the city are in their enrollment period for January 2025, as the first semester ended in December 2024. Since many schools begin their semesters in August or September, the first semester typically concludes by December or early January. He reminded HEIs that Ched has established guidelines for class cancellations during disruptions such as flooding, earthquakes, or other natural disasters.

Pulido reassured that class disruptions are unlikely to affect the continuity of learning. Flexible learning options, implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, remain in place, along with learning continuity plans to ensure students can continue their education despite interruptions. The measures aim to balance public safety with the uninterrupted delivery of education, reflecting a commitment to both community well-being and academic responsibility.

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