ILOILO City – Up to 2,179 public schools in Western Visayas shifted to alternative modes of learning due to intense heat.
As of May 11, 441 schools shifted to modular distance learning (MDL), 138 schools implemented online distance learning (ODL), and 1,600 schools were on blended mode of learning.
Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer of the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6, said these alternative modes of learning were first implemented at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
“There are schools or schools division offices (SDOs) nga nag-implement sang class from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then in the whole afternoon modular ang mode of learning because of the unfavorable condition sa sulod sang rooms. So gina-count sia as blended learning,” Escullar told Panay News yesterday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of even warmer days ahead. Heat indices between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius are considered “dangerous” as they can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and with continued activity, a heat stroke is likely to occur.
DepEd-6 entrusted the decision to adopt distance learning to schools or principals, as each school has its technique for distributing the modules.
“Yara na ina sa level sang schools kung paano nila i-distribute ang ila modules, ila na ina arrangement between the learner or the parent and aton nga teacher,” said Escullar.
He said some schools implement blended learning either three times a week or the entire week.
“Usually ang reason is mainit ang panahon sa sulod sang ila schools,” he added.
Distance learning due to unfavorable weather is covered under the memorandum issued by Francis Cesar B. Bringas, Assistant Secretary for Operations and officer-in-charge, Office of the Undersecretary for Operations of DepEd, last month with the subject: “Reiteration of the Implementation of Modular Distance Learning as Provided in DepEd Order No. 037, Series of 2022.”
“In consideration of the well-being of the learners affected by extreme climate conditions as they attend in-person classes, this office reiterates DepEd Order (DO) No. 037, s. 2022, titled ‘Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Power Interruptions, and Other Calamities.’ DO 037, s. 2022, provides for the implementation of modular distance learning in the event of canceled or suspended classes due to natural disasters, calamities, and human-induced hazards to ensure learning continuity and that learning competencies and objectives are met,” read part of the memorandum.
It added: “Additionally, and in relation to the announcement of the PAGASA last March 21, 2023, which marked the beginning of the warm and dry season in which warmer temperatures are expected, this office reminds school heads of their authority and responsibility, consistent with Rule VI, Section 6.1 of DepEd Order No. 01, s. 2003 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9155, to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners’ health and well-being at risk.”
The SDOs, through the schools division superintendent, will monitor schools implementing the said modality and will submit a report on the aforementioned to the regional director.
Recently, Dr. Ramir B. Uytico, DepEd-6 director, said schools are allowed to shift learning modalities if classrooms become no longer conducive to learning due to the intense heat.
“Ang principals natin alam na nila ang gagawin. We are banking on the pronouncement of Atty. Mike po na the principal can decide in coordination with the school superintendent,” said Uytico.
He added there is no need to entirely cancel classes with the available learning modalities, where learning could take place even outside the school.
‘Students, teachers fall ill due to intense heat’
There have been reports that learners and teachers in the city and province of Iloilo fell ill due to the intense heat.
Leonil Salvilla, information officer of the DepEd-Schools Division of Iloilo, received reports of headache and dizziness among 1,313 learners and 149 personnel from different schools in the town of Sara due to the intense heat. This is a cumulative report from March to April 5 this year.
“May report kita nga na-receive nga ang mga kabataan and teachers affected by the intense heat, mostly headache and lingin sang ulo or dizziness,” said Salvilla.
He clarified that the learners and teachers were not taken to the hospital but were given time to rest and recover.
There were similar reports from San Miguel Elementary School in San Miguel town, he added.
Region 6 has 5,068 registered schools – 4,045 public schools, 1,010 private schools, and 13 local universities and colleges, and state universities and colleges./PN
