DepEd implements measures to keep students safe during extreme heat

The Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented measures to ensure students' health during extreme heat while maintaining learning continuity.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that schools are adjusting class schedules to early mornings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and late afternoons from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with local chief executives having the authority to declare class suspensions if temperatures exceed 42 degrees Celsius.

Additional safety protocols include providing water and rest breaks, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and distributing insulated water containers along with first aid kits containing cooling packs and emergency thermometers.

DepEd also emphasized the importance of improving ventilation by removing obstructions to airflow and installing additional electric fans in classrooms.

Health personnel will monitor for heat-related illnesses such as cramps, exhaustion, and stroke, while schools are advised to transition to remote or asynchronous learning during class suspensions.