Mayor Garcia: I have no basis to declare suspension of classes, works on February 25

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia insisted that there is no basis for him to declare a suspension of classes and work in observance of the 39th Edsa People Power Revolution yesterday, Feb. 25.

Last Monday, Garcia listed the entities that had declared the suspension of classes and work in observance of the People Power, essentially leaving the discretion to those entities.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared the Edsa anniversary a special working holiday in 2025 through Proclamation 727, signed in October 2024.

In 2024, it was not a holiday as it fell on a Sunday, and in 2023, it was moved to February 24 as a special non-working day for a long weekend.

Cascading down to the local government units (LGU), Garcia said his decision not to declare the overall suspension was based on the fact that there was “no basis for him to declare it.”

“Akong gitan-aw ang PAGASA (weather bureau)! pirti mang inita karon, I mean I look at all other factors, there is no recommendation coming from disaster. And if you are talking about the holiday, there was already a communication coming from the higher-ups in Manila,” said Garcia.

“So there was no really reason for me to declare no classes because there is no basis,” he added.

Garcia further said that he left the discretion to the individual entities, citing that yesterday was a “working day.”

It was reported that several Cebu City schools announced the cancellation of classes yesterday to commemorate the People Power, even if it was declared a special working holiday.

Some of these schools include the University of the Philippines Cebu, University of San Carlos, Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, Inc., Saint Louis College – Cebu (under Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae – Philippine Schools Network), Don Bosco Technical College – Cebu, Mary Our Help Technical Institute for Women – Cebu, Einstein School Cebu, Tabor Hill College - OAD, Inc., and St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas, Inc.

The University of San Jose-Recoletos and Cebu Technological University – Main also implemented a synchronous classes.

Local governments units in Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, and Mandaue announced class suspensions, though, policies vary from the respective city.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan suspended face-to-face classes, advising students to stay home and continue with modular learning. He also urged them to coordinate with their teachers for assignments and academic activities.

Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, likewise, ordered the suspension of in-person classes in all public schools. However, Talisay City College and private schools will have the discretion to decide whether to continue classes. Regular work operations will proceed unless private companies decide otherwise.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City officials canceled all classes at all levels in both public and private schools. Despite the suspension, government offices remained operational. The City Government also encouraged residents to take the time to reflect on the significance of the peaceful Edsa uprising that paved the way in restoring the country's democracy. — JG (FREEMAN)