Public schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) in Dumaguete City are prepared to implement alternative learning methods as the dry season approaches and heat indexes rise.
Dr. Juditha Mapue, chief of the Curriculum Implementation Department, told the Philippine News Agency March 14 that they are ready to shift to blended learning and modular approaches if face-to-face classes need to be suspended.
Schools can switch to distance learning when the heat index reaches at least 42 degrees Celsius.
“We received a memorandum from the DepEd central office directing us to prepare strategies for extreme heat conditions,” she said, adding that teachers have been informed to make necessary preparations.
To mitigate the effects of extreme heat, the DepEd has instructed field offices and schools to take preventive actions, including adjusting class schedules, adopting alternative delivery modes if necessary, improving classroom ventilation, and ensuring access to hydration stations.
“We are deeply concerned about our learners’ and teachers’ safety. We are closely coordinating with our field offices to assess the situation in schools and determine the best course of action given the extreme heat,” Secretary Sonny Angara had said.
Schools are advised to conduct morning sessions from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., allow asynchronous learning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and hold afternoon sessions from 2-6 p.m.
Additional rest and hydration breaks are encouraged, particularly in non-air-conditioned classrooms.
DepEd also underscores the importance of keeping classrooms well-ventilated.
Schools are advised to maximize natural ventilation by opening windows, removing obstructions that restrict airflow, and installing additional fans and cooling devices.
Other safety measures include limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, ensuring access to potable water, and providing first-aid kits with cooling packs and emergency thermometers. Health personnel are tasked with monitoring cases of heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke.
In terms of suspension, DepEd clarifies that there is no automatic suspension of classes due to extreme heat under its current policy. However, local chief executives may declare class suspensions in affected areas. In this scenario, schools will shift to alternative learning performance-based tasks, or make-up classes to ensure that learning competencies are still met.
In case there is no automatic suspension of classes and in the absence of a declaration from the LGU, DepEd’s policy also allows school heads and ALS coordinators to suspend in-person classes if excessive heat poses health risks to students and teachers.
Meanwhile, Mapue said all school activities must end by the middle of April as the agency is slowly transitioning back to the old calendar where classes start in June.
School year 2025-2026 is expected to start by the end of June or first week of July, Mapue added. ||
