LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) -- The success of alternative learning modes depends on parental cooperation, according to school officials who spoke on Ugnayan sa Bicol radio on Monday.

An asynchronous class mode of instruction is being implemented in Albay due to the scorching weather conditions. This mode of learning allows the teacher and students to engage with the subject content at different times and from different locations.  

"The disadvantage of asynchronous classes is that teachers have limited contact with students. Therefore, teachers can't know if the learners are completing the activity sheets," said Mark Anthony Boter, the disaster risk reduction and management coordinator of Arimbay High School in Legazpi City.

Boter explained that asynchronous learning requires greater self-discipline on the part of the learners. 

"If students lack self-discipline, parents must step in and ensure that their children complete the required activities," he said.

Jhovy Agarin, senior high school coordinator, hopes for parent cooperation to ensure their children study and complete projects responsibly.

“We need responsible parents to ensure their children study and complete projects,” she said.

Boter and Agarin were the resource persons at the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program

broadcast live on the Facebook pages of PIA-5, PIA Albay, PIA Camarines Norte, PIA Camarines Sur, PIA Catanduanes, PIA Sorsogon, and PIA Masbate.

Boter said that during this time of heat waves, children's homes and the asynchronous mode of learning can be beneficial for their education.

He explained that these places are cooler, and students have more time to reflect on and engage with the learning materials.

Agarin shared that teachers have created group chats on Facebook to communicate with their students.

She appealed to parents, saying "We hope you support your children so that they can still acquire the necessary competencies despite the challenges of asynchronous learning."

Boter also reminded parents to help their children focus on their lessons, especially since the current school year is coming to a close.

Physical or on-site class suspensions have been implemented for all levels of public and private schools across various provinces nationwide due to the intense heat wave. 

Since the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared the official onset of the dry season, many parts of the country have been experiencing dangerous levels of heat indices.

According to Pagasa, the heat index is a “human discomfort index that gives the apparent temperature on what humans perceive or feel as the temperature (from the surroundings) affecting the body." 

The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) has stated that a heat index ranging from 42 to 51°C falls under the danger category and may lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. 

Continued exposure to heat or sun may result in heat stroke, the DOH Bicol CHD said.  (PIA 5)