Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has called an open forum on air quality and class suspensions, set for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Capitol Social Hall.
The forum aims to give families and schools clearer information, and enough time to prepare, when air quality raises concerns about children's health.
The discussion will bring together mayors, medical experts, and representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), and the Department of Health (DOH). Public and private schools and parent groups are also part of the discussion.
"Ang ato mao ang paghatag ug avenue for everyone to discuss, understand the evidence, and work towards practical guidelines," Governor Baricuatro said.
Questions on the table
At the center of the forum are three practical questions:
Which air quality readings should guide school decisions?
When should in-person classes be suspended?
How can learning continue safely when air quality is poor?
The gathering will also tackle timely public announcements. The Capitol recognizes that families, teachers, and school administrators need sufficient notice to make arrangements when classes are disrupted.
Who decides on class suspensions
Baricuatro emphasized that decisions on localized class suspensions remain with the respective mayors, in coordination with education authorities and in accordance with national policies. The forum seeks to support those decisions through a clearer understanding of the evidence and the concerns of affected communities.
Stakeholders to be convened
According to the forum's poster, the stakeholders include pediatricians, pulmonologists, DepEd, DENR-EMB, private schools, parent-teacher associations, city and municipal local government units, and health and disaster risk reduction officers. The poster describes the event as a dialogue on children's health, air quality thresholds, and guidance for class suspension.
By bringing health, environment, education, and local government stakeholders into one discussion, the Capitol aims to help develop practical guidelines that protect students while supporting the safe continuity of learning.
The provincial government will continue coordinating with local government units and partner agencies to support informed decisions on air quality and school safety.
📌 Quick Summary
What: Open forum on air quality and class suspensions
Where: Capitol Social Hall, Cebu Province
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Impact on Visayas: Seeks to develop practical guidelines on air quality, school decisions, and public announcements for class suspensions in Cebu
Source: Facebook page of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro ("Pam Baricuatro – The People's Governor")