(Photo courtesy of PIA)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Ilocos Region is strengthening student support services and implementing flexible class schedules to ensure learning continuity and protect students from extreme heat brought by El Niño.
DepEd Ilocos Region Director Estela Leon-Cariño said Monday, November 9, that the department is deploying School Counselor Associates to address students’ personal, emotional and social concerns, including bullying, while allowing teachers to concentrate on classroom instruction.
The initiative aims to address the shortage of qualified guidance counselors in public schools as DepEd works toward assigning at least one guidance counselor to every school.
“They will listen to our learners because, based on what is happening in schools, some students simply want somebody to listen to them—[someone] they can trust who can provide guidance and direction,” Leon-Cariño said.
She explained that the associates would assist students experiencing bullying and other difficulties by identifying their concerns and providing appropriate guidance and support.
However, Leon-Cariño acknowledged the need for additional training to strengthen the associates’ ability to respond effectively to students’ needs.
Meanwhile, DepEd is allowing schools to adjust class schedules based on local temperatures, classroom conditions and available facilities rather than imposing automatic suspensions across entire communities.
“A one-size-fits-all approach will not work,” Leon-Cariño said, emphasizing that school administrators must assess conditions in their respective areas before implementing adjustments.
Under the flexible arrangements, schools may shorten class hours, with possible schedules running from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., depending on prevailing weather conditions.
Schools equipped with air-conditioned classrooms may continue face-to-face instruction through adjusted schedules, subject to coordination among school heads, Schools Division Superintendents and local government officials.
To prevent disruptions in learning, DepEd is also strengthening its Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM), which allows students to continue their education when regular classroom instruction becomes difficult due to extreme weather.
The department is monitoring the availability and completeness of self-learning modules and other instructional materials to ensure students can continue their lessons despite possible class disruptions.
Leon-Cariño said DepEd is also maintaining coordination with parents through regular meetings to address students’ needs and strengthen support for learning at home.
The measures form part of the department’s efforts to balance student safety, mental well-being and uninterrupted education amid the challenges posed by El Niño.
