Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday said schools can switch to blended learning amid the rising heat index in the country due to the El Niño.

Duterte said there is no problem with local government units suspending classes as schools can implement blended or distance learning.

“Mayroon na po tayong order sa Department of Education na pwedeng mag-switch to blended learning ang ating mga paaralan kung meron silang mga nakikita na iba’t ibang problema, kasama na dito kung mainit ang panahon, at kung merong baha or bagyo, nagsu-switch din tayo to blended learning or distance learning,” she said.

The Vice President said if there were no in-person classes, the students’ learning still continues through the use of modules.

Several local government units (LGUs) in at least five regions have suspended in-person classes in public and private schools due to extreme heat.

In-person classes in several areas suspended due to extreme heat

CATCH UP HEALTH PROGRAMS

Duterte also said that she spoke to the regional director of the Department of Education to coordinate with the Department of Health regarding the steps to prevent a pertussis outbreak in schools.

She said the local DepEd should also coordinate with their respective regional health officials.

Other health programs can also be integrated to their Catch-up Fridays where schools dedicate half of the day to reading activities and the other half to values, health, and peace education.

“Ang gagawin natin mayroon ding Catch-up Health programs in partnership with the Department of Education. Hindi lang sa pertussis, but sa maraming health programs ng Department of Education tulad na lang ng HIV prevention, prevention ng teenage pregnancy, at iba pang catchup vaccinations na kailangan gawin ng ating DOH,” she said.