With the expected impact of the projected severe El Niño event in the coming days o weeks, Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara has issued comprehensive proactive guidelines to help schools prepare against the possible adverse effects of the climate phenomenon.
In a statement, Secretary Angara stressed that “(the country) cannot afford to wait until extreme heat hits before we act.”
“Our plan this year is proactive, deliberate and organized. We are making sure our schools are fully prepared to manage heat stress, water shortages and health risks, protecting the safety and well-being of our learners and personnel without unnecessarily sacrificing precious classroom time,” he disclosed.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the super El Niño demands urgent, science-based governance as dry spells across the country may peak before year-end.
Under a memorandum the education chief issued, extreme heat will no longer automatically trigger blanket, nationwide class suspensions.
“Instead, school heads will use a practical, localized decision-making tool, which relies on daily indoor classroom temperature and humidity readings taken at 8:00 in the mirning, noon and 2:00 in the afternoon,” he clarified.
Angara said that the El Niño guidelines will implement a four-level, or 4H, framework, which is as follows:
– Hayo (Pilipino for ‘go ahead’)
If the heat index remains below 27°C, schools will maintain regular face-to-face classes with scheduled hydration breaks.
– Hinay (Pilipino for ‘be careful’)
If the heat index falls between 27°C and 32°C, school heads may shorten in-person hours or transition to hybrid and flexible home-based schedules.
– Hinga (Pilipino for ‘rest’)
If the heat index reaches this extreme caution stage between 33°C and 41°C, physical classes are suspended, and learners shift to lighter home-based tasks and health check-ins.
– Hinto (Pilipino for ‘stop’)
If the heat index reaches this danger level of 42°C and above, all physical and home-based academic activities are completely suspended for safety.
