Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — The Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded school heads that they are authorized to suspend in-person classes and implement alternative learning methods to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel amid the scorching heat.
“We already gave the authority or the discretion to our school heads to suspend in-person classes and switch to what we call alternative delivery modes in case the learning environment is no longer conducive,” DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa told CNN Philippines on Monday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of warmer days ahead as the heat index is projected to breach 40°C this week.
According to PAGASA’s five-day forecast, the highest heat index this week will be at 48°C in Tacloban.
Based on PAGASA’s Heat Index scale, temperatures from 42°C to 51°C are considered in “danger” category. It said the effects of this level of heat on the body include heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and probable heat stroke with continued exposure.
Poa has assured that public schools are well-equipped to implement other modes of learning. He also said private schools are encouraged to implement alternative learning modes.
In a separate interview, KC Manaog, spokesperson of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines, said some private schools continued implementing hybrid learning even after the government allowed the return to face-to-face classes.
Some have also adjusted their schedules, depending on their local situation, she added.
“What’s important is right now, we are really on learning recovery mode and that’s why as much as possible we want learning continuity to be present in all of our schools,” Poa said.
