Iloilo city: In-person classes at all levels in Iloilo City are suspended on Jan. 23 and 26 to allow learners to join the celebration of the 2026 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival and give the schools time to recuperate from the festivities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Order 007, signed and released by Mayor Raisa Tre±as, announced the suspension of face-to-face classes on Friday, citing expected heavy traffic and road closures due to Dinagyang-related events. The cancellation of in-person classes on Jan. 26 is intended to facilitate a smooth transition and egress activities, city-wide clean-up, and dismantling of food kiosks, while also giving students time to recuperate from the weekend's activities, especially those who actively participated in different Dinagyang-related events.

The Executive Order directs school heads to observe an alternative delivery mode of instruction during the suspension of face-to-face classes. In a statement, Mayor Tre±as emphasized that the suspension is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and school personnel during the celebration. The decision was made in close coordination with the Department of Education, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, and traffic and public safety authorities.

Additionally, Mayor Tre±as signed Executive Order 004 on Monday, suspending work at the city hall on Jan. 23 and 26 to allow city government employees to join and celebrate the festival. However, essential workforce members necessary for public service delivery and offices involved in processing business permit renewals and related services are still required to report for work.

Government agencies and instrumentalities within Iloilo City are encouraged to consider suspending work, allowing agency heads discretion in accordance with relevant rules and regulations. Work suspension in private offices and establishments remains at the discretion of their managers or operators.