CALAMBA CITY (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Calabarzon regional office announced that school authorities may suspend face-to-face classes and implement modular distance learning amid the extremely high heat index felt in classrooms.
On April 1, DepEd IV-A regional director Alberto Escobarte signed Regional Memorandum No. 233 s. 2024 to reiterate the right of school heads to implement modular distance learning and work-from-home for their teaching personnel during extreme weather conditions or when 40 degrees Celsius and above heat index were monitored in their respective areas.
“Monitor weather forecasts and heat advisories from appropriate government agencies and take appropriate measures based on the severity of the conditions and to coordinate with local government units for emergency plans and ensure access to support and resources,” the regional director advised schools division superintendents.
School principals, however, are required to inform their respective schools’ division offices once they declare a shift to modular learning.
As part of the preventive measures, school heads are advised to adjust their facilities according to the weather. This includes ensuring that classrooms are well-ventilated, creating shaded areas where learners and teachers can stay during breaks, and ensuring that clean drinking water is accessible throughout the school premises.
Other flexible measures include the adjustment of schedules such as starting classes early and having shorter outdoor activities, and allowing learners and teachers to wear lighter clothing to ensure their comfort.
Citing DepEd Order No. 065, s. 2010, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte stated that there is no strict requirement for public schools to wear uniforms, a measure that has been effective even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to PAGASA, many areas in the region have reached an extreme caution and danger classification of heat index where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible that could lead to heat stroke if strenuous activities persist. (PB/PIA-4A)
