DepEd Issues Reminder on Suspension of In-Person Classes Due to Hot Weather

In response to the sweltering temperatures sweeping across the nation, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a reminder to schools regarding the suspension of in-person classes in the event of extreme heat. The reminder comes amidst concerns over the health and well-being of students as the heatwave intensifies.

DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa emphasized that schools have the authority to suspend face-to-face classes and transition to alternative delivery modes (ADM) when faced with adverse weather conditions.

The memo, issued on April 20, serves as a proactive measure to safeguard students' health and ensure optimal learning conditions.

"With varying situations in our schools, it will be the school heads who will determine the need for suspension," Poa stated. "We want to prevent the adverse effects of the scorching weather on our learners' health, so we remind school heads that they can swiftly switch to ADMs."

The move comes in light of warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) of even higher heat index values in the coming days.

Recent reports indicate alarming temperatures, with Metro Manila recording its highest temperature yet at 36.2 degrees Celsius. Pagasa forecasts a heat index of up to 56 degrees Celsius in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and 50 degrees Celsius in Cabanatuan.

Pagasa categorizes heat indices between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius as "dangerous," with the potential to cause heat-related illnesses such as cramps, exhaustion, and, in extreme cases, heat stroke.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, echoed concerns over the impact of the heatwave on students' health. He advocated for the adjustment of the academic calendar to accommodate summer vacation in April-May rather than July-August.

Gatchalian's proposal gains traction following an incident in Cabuyao City, Laguna, where over a hundred students fell ill during a fire drill conducted amidst hot weather. The incident underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by extreme heat on students' safety and well-being.

As temperatures continue to rise, the DepEd's reminder serves as a timely precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of students across the country. By empowering schools to make informed decisions regarding class suspension, DepEd aims to mitigate the adverse effects of the heatwave on the education sector.

Visit PAGASA's latest reports and updates to know the weather, temperature and heat index in your area.

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