Education Secretary Sonny Angara says he has instructed schools to take preventive measures as the Philippines braces for hotter days
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article. EXTREME HEAT. Parents fetch their children from school in Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila, as classes are suspended due to expected heat, on March 3, 2025.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara says he has instructed schools to take preventive measures as the Philippines braces for hotter daysWhile the Department of Education has been gradually returning to the old academic calendar, the current school year 2024-2025 won’t end until April 15. Since Monday, March 3, several local government units have been suspending classes in anticipation of high heat index levels throughout the day. The heat index is calculated using the air temperature and relative humidity, reflecting the temperature that the human body perceives, or the “feels-like” temperature. The weather is only expected to get hotter as the Philippines approaches the warm and dry season, which typically lasts from mid-March to May. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said “dangerous” heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 51°C are expected in various parts of the country in the coming weeks.In a text message to Rappler on Wednesday, March 5, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the DepEd has reminded schools to implement, which outlines guidelines for class suspensions during disasters and emergencies. Under the department order, issued in December 2024, there is no automatic class suspension due to extreme heat. Instead, LGUs can suspend classes for their areas, provided that schools will shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes. If there is no declaration from the LGU, the DepEd’s policy allows school heads to suspend in-person classes if excessive heat poses health risks to students and teachers.But shifting to remote learning won’t be easy, as not everyone has access to the technology needed for virtual classes. DepEd data from October 2024 revealed that “only 37% of teachers have laptops, and just 17% of students have access to the devices required for online learning.” While printed learning modules can be used, not all students have someone to guide them or facilitate learning at home. In some cases, it is the parents who complete the modules, rather than the students themselves. (READ:Angara also mentioned that he has instructed field offices and schools to take other preventive measures, such as adjusting class schedules, ensuring access to drinking water, and improving classroom ventilation. Schools are advised to hold morning sessions from 6 am to 10 am, allow asynchronous learning from 10 am to 2 pm, and conduct afternoon sessions from 2 pm to 6 pm.The DepEd also instructed schools to provide additional electric fans. (READ:
Please follow us on Google to support us Department Of Education Excessive Heat Philippine News Editors' Pick National News
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DepEd Champions Responsible AI Use in Education on International Day of EducationThe Department of Education (DepEd) emphasizes the importance of responsible AI integration in education during International Day of Education 2025, highlighting partnerships with edtech companies and AI-powered tools like Khanmigo.
Read more »
DepEd Localizes Adopt-a-School Program to Boost Education Infrastructure and DigitalizationThe Department of Education (DepEd) is adapting its Adopt-a-School Program to better address regional needs and accelerate the delivery of educational resources. Secretary Sonny Angara outlined a strategy focused on streamlining partnerships with the private sector, including bilateral meetings and coordination with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The program aims to build 15,000 classrooms by June 2027, equipped with 21st-century designs and disaster resilience. Digitalization efforts, known as PSIP Connect, will see procurement of hardware begin in May 2025, with delivery expected in 2026. Private partners are also committed to addressing malnutrition and ensuring international standards for digital tools.
Read more »
DepEd vows to sustain education initiatives despite $94 million USAID funding freezeThe Department of Education (DepEd) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining key education initiatives despite the temporary suspension of United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded projects, totaling $94 million or approximately P4 billion.
Read more »
DepEd chief: ‘Education still the great equalizer’ | Claudeth Mocon-CiriacoIN 2019, widow Aida Morales—who was then 65 years old—was one of the 15,102 successful takers of the “DepEd Alternative Learning System [ALS] Accreditation and Equivalency [A&E] Test” held in Region 3. Morales was among the students from low-income households in her area who were compelled to leave school.
Read more »
DepEd launches AI Center to advance technology-driven education reformsThe Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) on Thursday, Feb. 20, as part of its efforts to drive innovation in Philippine education through AI-powered solutions aligned with its 5-Point Reform Agenda.
Read more »
DepEd procures 87M learning materials for alternative educationLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »