BACOLOD City — Classes continued in Bacolod City on October 5 as the city government did not suspend classes for the observance of National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day, while the Negros Occidental provincial government ordered the suspension of classes in public schools across the province.
Bacolod is a highly urbanized city and is therefore not under the political jurisdiction of the provincial government.
When asked by members of the media why he did not issue an executive order suspending classes for the occasion, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government had no legal basis to suspend classes solely because of a celebration.
Gasataya explained that under existing laws and regulations, a local chief executive may suspend classes in cases involving calamities, disasters, emergencies and other circumstances specifically allowed by law.
He said the same limitations apply to the Department of Education (DepEd), stressing that the observance of Teachers’ Day does not automatically authorize the suspension of classes.
The mayor cited Republic Act No. 10743, which declares October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Day, and noted that the law provides for its observance as a special working holiday.
“We have national laws that clearly provide the basis for the observance of Teachers’ Day, but they do not give us the authority to suspend classes simply because of the celebration,” Gasataya said.
Despite keeping classes open, Gasataya emphasized the city government’s appreciation for teachers and their contributions to education.
He said city officials had joined teachers in an earlier celebration held on October 4 and expressed gratitude to educators for their dedication and sacrifices.
“Our message to all teachers and students is that we continue to express our love and appreciation to all our teachers for all the sacrifices they have made,” Gasataya said.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson issued Executive Order No. 26-27, Series of 2026, on October 4, suspending classes at all levels in public schools under the school districts throughout the province on October 5.
The order cited the observance of National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day as the basis for the suspension.
Lacson cited Republic Act No. 10743, which recognizes the indispensable contribution of teachers to nation-building and the development of Filipino youth.
The executive order also cited Presidential Proclamation No. 242, Series of 2011, which designates September 5 to October 5 as National Teachers’ Month.
It further noted that October 5 is observed worldwide as World Teachers’ Day under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Lacson said the suspension would give teachers, learners and school personnel adequate time to participate in activities commemorating the occasion.
The provincial government also recognized the dedication of public school teachers, administrators and personnel in educating and shaping the youth of Negros Occidental.
The differing decisions of the city and provincial governments resulted in classes continuing in Bacolod while public schools in other parts of Negros Occidental observed the suspension ordered by the governor./PN
