DepEd reiterates implementation of modular distance learning in response to extreme weather conditions

DepEd reiterates implementation of modular Distance Learning in response to extreme weather conditions

The Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated the implementation of modular distance learning in schools affected by extreme weather conditions, as provided in DepEd Order No. 037, s. 2022. The reiteration was made through OASOPS No. 2023-077 dated April 20, 2023, a memorandum addressed to all regional directors, school division superintendents, and public and private school heads.

The memorandum was issued in consideration of the learners' well-being, especially those who attend in-person classes and are affected by extreme climate conditions. DO 037, s. 2022 provides guidelines on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools in the event of natural disasters, power outages/power interruptions, and other calamities.

DepEd also reminds school heads of their authority and responsibility to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment, such as extremely high temperatures that may put learners' health and wellbeing at risk. This reminder is consistent with Rule VI, Section 6.1 of DepEd Order No. 01, s. 2003 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9155.

Schools Division Offices shall monitor schools implementing the said modality and shall submit a report to the Regional Director. The memorandum also covers the implementation of Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) in all public elementary and secondary schools.

In case of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, schools situated in LGUs where the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) declares an earthquake with PHILVOCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) V or above will have in-person and online classes and work from kindergarten to Grade 12, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) automatically cancelled. Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes in cases where the PEIS is IV and below.

In case of power outages/power interruptions/brownouts in schools, there will be no automatic cancellation or suspension of classes. However, if these result in a poor learning environment, school officials can cancel or suspend classes at their own discretion.

DepEd emphasizes the implementation of performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes to ensure that learning competencies and objectives are still met in case of class suspensions. Learners who miss learning activities due to class suspensions brought about by various disruptions like disasters and/or emergencies shall be accorded due consideration in their attendance and the completion of their learning tasks.

Teaching and non-teaching school personnel in schools affected by extreme weather conditions and natural disasters shall not be required to report to work, except those who are mandated to render security, safety, finance, engineering, sanitation, health, and disaster response duties.

The Department also urges schools to activate their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Teams to prepare, monitor, and respond to the situation. DRRM Team members shall be required to report to work in the aftermath of the disaster to continue undertaking response, early recovery, and reporting based on established DRRM protocols. Private schools may exercise discretion relative to the work arrangement of their DRRM personnel.

READ FULL TEXT OF MEMORANDUM:

OASOPS No. 2023-077
MEMORANDUM

TO:
ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS
ALL SCHOOLS DIVISION SUPERINTENDENTS ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL HEADS

FROM
FRANCIS CESAR B. BRINGAS Assistant Secretary for Operations
Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Undersecretary for Operations

SUBJECT:
Reiteration of the Implementation of Modular Distance Learning as Provided in DepEd Order No. 037, s. 2022

DATE:April 20, 2023

In consideration of the well-being of the learners affected by extreme climate conditions as they attend in-person classes, this Office reiterates DepEd Order No. 037, s. 2022, titled "Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Power Interruptions, and Other Calamities. DO 037, s. 2022 provides for the implementation of modular distance learning in the event of canceled or suspended classes due to natural disasters, calamities, and human-induced hazards to ensure learning continuity and that learning competencies and objectives are met.

Additionally, and in relation to the announcement of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last March 21, 2023, which marked the beginning of the warm and dry season in which warmer temperatures are expected, this Office reminds School Heads of their authority and responsibility, consistent with Rule VI, Section 6.1 of DepEd Order No. 01, s. 2003 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9155, to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners' health and wellbeing at risk.

Schools Division Offices, through the Schools Division Superintendent, shall monitor schools implementing the said modality and shall submit a report on the aforementioned to the Regional Director.

For your information and appropriate action.