DepEd Says School Heads Can Decide to Suspend Classes Due to Intense Heat
The Department of Education (DepEd) said that school heads can decide to suspend classes due to intense heat.
On Wednesday (March 13, 2024), DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas declared that school heads have the authority to declare class cancellations due to the extreme heat brought by El Niño.
Bringas reported that the announcement of class suspension to public schools in the country will continue until May 2024. School managers have to exercise their discretion when it comes to class suspensions.
“Since they are the school managers, meron silang ganoong authority na naibigay sa kanila at ine-expect natin that they will exercise very wise discretion when it comes to suspension of classes, including ‘yung pagbibigay ng mga intervention activities for lost hours,” said Bringas.
On Monday (March 11, 2024), various local government units in Negros Occidental declared class suspensions as the heat index hits 41°C. Bacolod City canceled the classes from elementary to senior high school levels to ensure the safety of teachers, school personnel, and students from possible heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
The DepEd official also advised the students and teachers to wear more comfortable clothing to reduce the heat they feel during classes. The agency also allowed students in Negros Occidental to wear civilian attire.
A school in Metro Manila prepared for the hot and humid weather conditions and provided dispensers, electric fan units, and canceled outdoor activities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that El Niño is expected to continue until March-April-May 2024, with a 74% chance of a transition to El Niño–Southern Oscillation neutral conditions in April-May-June 2024.
The online community expressed their reactions to the announcement:
