STUDENTS BRAVE THE HEAT. Students in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, use umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.Amid the strong to very strong El Niño phenomenon, schools across Pangasinan may suspend classes, shorten school hours, or shift to alternative learning arrangements to safeguard students from extreme heat, according to provincial officials.(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Schools in Pangasinan may suspend face-to-face classes, shorten school hours, or adopt alternative learning arrangements to protect students from extreme heat brought by the strong El Niño phenomenon.
Provincial Administrator Manuel Luis Jr. said school administrators have the authority to determine appropriate measures based on local conditions, including heat levels, classroom ventilation, and available facilities.
“Usually, once the heat index rises, the possibility is either suspension of classes or shortening of classes due to the heat. But we reiterate that the schools have the call, because the situation is not the same,” Luis said.
He explained that conditions vary across schools, with some classrooms equipped with air-conditioning while others have limited ventilation.
Luis emphasized that school officials should assess the situation of their students before deciding whether to suspend or modify classes.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro said the Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented precautionary measures, including scheduled water breaks, classroom temperature monitoring, water conservation campaigns, and contingency plans to maintain learning continuity.
The measures follow DepEd’s 4H framework under Department Order No. 014, series of 2026, which provides guidelines for learning continuity during emergencies.
The framework outlines four levels of response depending on heat conditions and available water resources:
- Hayo: Regular face-to-face classes continue with scheduled water breaks, adjusted outdoor activities, and flexible clothing requirements.
- Hinay: Schools may shorten class schedules and implement home-based or hybrid learning when heat stress becomes a concern.
- Hinga: Academic requirements may be reduced, with schools prioritizing essential learning activities and supplementary educational materials amid extreme heat or water shortages.
- Hinto: Classes may be suspended when dangerously high heat levels threaten students’ health, while schools maintain safety monitoring and communication.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is preparing additional guidelines specifically addressing the effects of El Niño during school year 2026–2027.
The planned directive will focus on protecting students from extreme heat and water shortages while ensuring the continuity of education and school-based feeding services.
“Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are tightening our proactive, protective, and anticipatory responses to ensure the adverse effects of El Niño are mitigated. We must prepare early to protect learners and keep education services going despite climate-related disruptions,” Angara said.
The department will also require school-level risk assessments covering water availability, classroom ventilation, electricity supply, and fire prevention measures.
Angara stressed that school heads and division superintendents would be given flexibility to make decisions based on actual conditions in their respective communities.
The provincial government urged schools to prioritize students’ health and safety while preparing for possible disruptions caused by prolonged heat and water shortages.
