WHEREAS, it is the declared policy of the State to protect life, health, safety and property and to promote the general welfare of its people at all times, particularly during disasters or calamities;

WHEREAS, quick and speedy decision-making in the suspension of classes is necessary in times of disasters or calamities to spare the pupils, students and the public from unnecessary troubles, as well as dangers to their lives and limbs;

WHEREAS, the Secretary of National Defense as concurrent Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is in the best position to readily assess whether there is a need to suspend classes in times of disasters or calamities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The Secretary of National Defense (SND) and concurrent Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is hereby empowered to suspend classes at any and/or all levels nationwide and/or specific localities in the country during times of disasters or calamities, whether natural or man-made, such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, conflagration, and the like. For this purpose, he is authorized to direct all the appropriate agencies for the implementation of the suspension of classes.

SECTION  2. The SND and concurrent NDCC Chairman shall immediately inform the Office of the President, through the Executive Secretary, of his decision to suspend classes.

SECTION 3. This Administrative Order does not nullify the powers of other government officials and/or school heads and administrators to suspend classes for the protection and safety of the students, faculty and personnel of the school.

SECTION 4. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 11 Sept. 2007


(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary