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Face-to-face classes in Iloilo City will be suspended this Friday and Monday to ease traffic, ensure public safety, and allow students and schools to participate in Dinagyang Festival activities.
Mayor Raisa Treñas signed Executive Order No. 007, Series of 2026 on January 21, covering all public and private schools from preschool to senior high school within the city.
The city government cited anticipated heavy traffic, road closures, and the use of selected schools as billeting areas for participants in the Dinagyang Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and Dinagyang Ilomination competitions.
Thousands of local and international visitors are expected to join the religious and cultural celebrations honoring Señor Santo Niño.
The executive order also followed a request from the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., asking schools to accommodate visiting contingents from January 21 to 26.
A memorandum from the Department of Education–Division of Iloilo City instructed schools to adopt alternative learning methods during the suspension, while the city’s Traffic and Transportation Management Office highlighted street closures as a reason for halting in-person classes.
Under the order, school administrators are tasked to implement modular or online learning to replace face-to-face classes, ensuring students’ safety, managing crowds, and allowing time for participants and school staff to recover after the festival.