Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have allowed flexible learning for students in light of the energy emergency brought about by the impact of the Middle East conflict.
In a press statement, the DepEd said private schools have the option to carry out blended classes to help manage operational expenses as electricity becomes expensive.
Under the guidelines, remote classes for Kindergarten to Grade 6 may be held once a week to ensure learning on literacy and numbers.
Grades 7 to 10, meanwhile, may be allowed up to two hybrid classes, while at least three remote sessions in a week were permitted for senior high school students.
“We understand the challenges our private schools are facing. We want to give them the flexibility to manage rising operational costs while protecting the quality of learning,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
The DepEd said onsite classes are still the “default mode,” noting that alternative learning setups will stay until the energy emergency is lifted.
It said prior approval to hold remote classes is not required, as long as the institution informs the school’s division office five days before its implementation.
The agency also encouraged schools to adopt flexible arrangements for teacher training.
Flexible setup for college students
Meanwhile, the CHED authorized institutions to adopt full online mode as a temporary arrangement, subject to the school’s capacity and student readiness.
The agency noted that laboratory and skills-based components should be held onsite or through appropriate alternative delivery “without compromising learning outcome.”
The order stays until the end of the school year 2025 to 2026 including summer classes. A new guideline for the next school year will be released.
“This advisory ensures academic continuity while prioritizing student welfare, learning outcomes, and institutional sustainability,” CHED said.
