Class flexibility amid extreme heat - DepEd

Metro Manila, Philippines - There's no automatic class suspension because of rising temperatures but schools may be flexible in holding sessions, the Department of Education said (DepEd) on Wednesday.

In a press statement, the agency said schools may conduct classes from 6am to 10am and allow asynchronous sessions from 10am to 2pm. Classes may also be held from 2pm to 6pm.

The DepEd policy requires schools to follow local government unit (LGU) directives on class suspension because of extreme heat.

“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 (alternative learning system) coordinators to suspend in-person classes if excessive heat poses health risks to students and teachers,” said DepEd in a press statement.

Advocacy group Teachers Dignity Coalition has urged the DepEd to carry out automatic class cancellations in Metro Manila due to extreme heat to minimize health risks. On March 3, at least eight cities in the region canceled classes for this reason.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said rising temperatures may peak in April and May.

The DepEd, meanwhile, reminded teachers to limit outdoor activities and prepare first aid kits.

“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,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

A January report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education showed that almost half of the learning days were lost due to class suspensions during successive disasters last year, with the Cordillera region suffering the biggest drop - losing as many as 42 days. Other regions have also missed over 30 days - equivalent to a month of canceled classes.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report