Jamaine Punzalan

Students try to shield themselves from the heat of the noonday sun at President Corazon Aquino High School in the Baseco community in Tondo, Manila, on April 2, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

HIGHT HEAT INDEX

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174123449029120240402-baseco-heat-index-JC-6744.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Department of Education said systems were in place to minimize the effects of the hot weather on learners as the warm and dry season loomed. </span></span></span></div><div><br id="isPasted"/></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The Department of Education said systems were in place to minimize the effects of the hot weather on learners as the warm and dry season loomed.</p><p>In a message to ABS-CBN News, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said interventions included adjusting class schedules to 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for morning sessions and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for afternoon sessions.</p><p>This on top of additional water and rest breaks for learners, especially in non-air-conditioned classrooms.</p><p>Earlier this week, state weather bureau PAGASA warned that the heat index could reach dangerous levels in some parts of the country, including Metro Manila. This prompted several local government units to suspend classes in most levels.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/3/6/42-degree-heat-index-threatens-san-jose-occidental-mindoro-amihan-cools-batanes-0848">42-degree heat index threatens San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; amihan cools Batanes</a></div><p>To minimize negative impacts on learning, Angara said schools would shift to alternative delivery modalities (ADMs) during suspensions.</p><p>“Transition to remote or asynchronous learning if the heat index reaches 42 degrees Celsius or higher or based on directives from the Local Government Unit,” he said.</p><p>Angara added that schools should ensure the availability of learning resources and produce self-learning modules. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/3/5/no-uniform-heat-index-class-suspension-for-now-metro-manila-council-0049">No uniform heat index class suspension for now: Metro Manila Council</a></div><p>The DepEd instructed learning institutions to improve ventilation by removing obstructions to airflow and providing additional electric fans to classrooms. Hydration stations and insulated water containers should also be provided along with first aid kits that include cooling packs and emergency thermometers.</p><p>“School medical personnel will monitor and prevent heat-related issues such as cramps, exhaustion and stroke. This means limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours. If necessary, use covered areas like school courts,” Angara said.</p><p>The agency also ordered consistent information dissemination on the effects of extreme heat on one’s health.</p><p>PAGASA said that while the northeast monsoon season had yet to fully end, the warm and dry season was already looming. The bureau said the public could expect the mercury to rise further in the coming days.</p><p>Historically, the earliest termination of the northeast monsoon and declaration of the start of the warm and dry season happened in the first week of March in 2016.</p><p>While temperatures this year could be slightly lower than the extreme heat experienced in 2024, PAGASA said the public should still protect themselves with light and cool clothing and constant hydration.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/3/6/cooling-la-nina-expected-to-be-short-lived-un-1017">Cooling La Nina expected to be &#x27;short-lived&#x27;: UN</a></div>

<p>The Department of Education said systems were in place to minimize the effects of the hot weather on learners as the warm and dry season loomed.</p>

The Department of Education said systems were in place to minimize the effects of the hot weather on learners as the warm and dry season loomed.

DepEd: Schools may adjust class schedules amid intense heat

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DepEd: Schools may adjust class schedules amid intense heat

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 06, 2025 12:16 PM PHT

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