DepEd adjusts class schedules due to extreme heat

DepEd adjusts class schedules due to extreme heat

March 5. The Department of Education (DepEd) said that it has started implementing measures to safeguard the health and well-being of students and personnel amid the scorching heat in some areas. DepEd said those measures include adjusting class schedules to early morning or late afternoon.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said that schools may transition to remote or asynchronous learning if the heat index reaches 42 degrees Celcius or higher or based on directives of the local government units.

To protect students from the intense heat, the DepEd has advised schools to:
• Suspend outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
• Limit outdoor physical activities and use covered areas like school courts.
• Encourage students and staff to wear light, comfortable uniforms.
• Provide additional classroom fans, hydration stations, and insulated water containers.
• Remove obstructions to airflow in classrooms.
• Equip classrooms with first-aid kits containing cooling packs and thermometers.
• Conduct safety inspections with local authorities.
• Have school medical personnel monitor and prevent heat-related illnesses.