Public schools in Eastern Visayas have taken proactive measures to address the potential dangers of the extreme heat index. 

According to a recent report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the region experienced the highest heat index of 46 degrees Celsius on April 23.

Leyte National High School (LNHS) is one of the public schools in Tacloban City that responded to the global warming crisis by shortening the school period schedule to address the heat-related illnesses experienced by the students.

They followed the Department of Education's (DepEd) Order No. 37, Series of 2022, which provides guidelines on canceling or suspending classes and work in schools during natural disasters, power outages, and other calamities.

This order gives school administrators the authority to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff in the face of heat-related hazards. It also provides opportunities for school leaders to develop innovative strategies to ensure high-quality education for learners while guaranteeing their safety and protection.

Bernie Jude R. Lamograr, assistant principal and information officer of the junior high school department at LNHS, explained that they have implemented the DO. 37, Series of 2022, and surveyed the faculty to devise a shortened period schedule. This decision was made to prioritize around 9,000 students’ health regarding the high heat index while ensuring quality education.

“We are implementing the shortened period schedule because we also believe that the hot temperature peaks in the afternoon, between 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. So, we come to school at 7:20 a.m. for junior high school and 7:30 a.m. for senior high school. We set an earlier time so that by noon, we can dismiss the students and they can go back home, keeping them safe from heat-related incidents,” he said.

According to Lamograr, they have taken steps to prevent and mitigate any potential harm caused by heat-related incidents in anticipation of extreme heat waves this academic year.

They aim to avoid the 30 to 50 heat-related incidents recorded in their school clinic last year, such as heat cramps, fainting, and nose bleeds.

He explained that they provide activity sheets to the students in the afternoon to reinforce the topics they learned in the morning. He feels monitoring the students' progress closely is still essential, even though they have half-day classes in the morning and a modular approach in the afternoon.

Lamograr also shared that they have provided water dispensers in faculty rooms and selected areas on the school grounds to keep the teachers and students hydrated. They have also distributed spray bottles to help them stay cool and reduce outdoor activities to minimize exposure to direct sunlight.

Additionally, they have allowed learners to wear type-B sublimation collared shirts instead of regular school uniforms to provide comfort and coolness.

In a report on April 24, the DepEd in Eastern Visayas recorded 110 schools that have shifted to alternative distance learning due to the extreme heat index.

Out of these, 76 schools implemented blended learning, 32 implemented modular distance learning, and two implemented online distance learning. Overall, the shift has affected 1,844 classes and 61,781 learners across the region.

Jasmin F. Calzita, the information officer in DepEd Region 8, suggested that the most viable solution to combat the extreme heat inside public school classrooms is to shift to alternative delivery modes of learning, such as asynchronous, synchronous, and blended learning.

“I believe nalilikayan manggud naton an oras kung kailan mapaso-pasoan, so since implementation, so far, naghamubo an aton heat-related incidences and we’re very happy, kay at least na-memeet naton an kabataan, and we are making sure that we keep them safe from the extreme heat,” Lamograr said.

(I believe that we can avoid heat-related incidents when the temperature peaks. Since implementation, we have noticed a significant drop in such incidences. We are pleased about this because we can meet the children's needs and ensure their safety in extreme heat.)

The recent actions taken by the DepEd in Eastern Visayas indicate that the education system is committed to facing the challenges presented by natural disasters and changing times. They are implementing strategies to adapt to global changes while maintaining the core value of providing quality education to students and shaping their future. (AAC, PIA Leyte with reports from intern Meraflor Pecore)