Gatchalian: Senate panel to discuss effects of extreme heat on basic education classes

PHILIPPINES, April 29 - Press Release
April 29, 2024

The Senate Committee on Basic Education will conduct a hearing on April 30 to discuss the effect of extreme heat in the conduct of classes and the shift to Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs), its chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian recalled that classes in several areas have been suspended because of the onset of extreme heat. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) previously warned of possible extreme danger heat index in some areas because of El Niño or a temperature of 52°Celsius and above.

The Department of Education (DepEd) also previously reiterated that in cases of emergencies or calamities, including extreme heat, principals may suspend in-person classes and implement blended learning. Under DepEd Order No. 037 s. 2022, modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes shall be implemented when classes are canceled or suspended.

Gatchalian added that while schools have the option to implement remote learning, the shift to ADMs also poses challenges. He cited the lack of internet access in some households and the difficulties hounding parents in supporting their children in a remote learning setup.

"May mga magulang na hindi masyadong sang-ayon sa online or blended learning dahil hindi natututo ang kanilang anak at mismong mga magulang din ang sumasagot sa mga textbook o workbook nila. Lumalabas na mas pabor pa rin ang maraming magulang sa face-to-face classes. Gayunpaman, maraming mga nag-suspend ng klase nitong mga nakaraang araw dahil sa sobrang init ng panahon. Ang lahat ng 'yan ay babalansehin natin," said Gatchalian.

Though DepEd already started the transition to bring back the school opening to June, Gatchalian urged the agency anew to study the possibility of having a shorter transition period.

Epekto ng matinding init sa mga klase tatalakayin sa Senado --Gatchalian

Nakatakdang magsagawa ang Senate Committee on Basic Education ng pagdinig sa Abril 30 upang talakayin ang epekto ng matinding init sa mga klase at sa pagpapatupad ng Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs), ayon kay Senador Win Gatchalian.

Binalikan ni Gatchalian ang mga insidente kung saan sinuspinde ang klase sa maraming mga lugar dahil sa matinding init. Ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), maaaring umabot sa extreme danger heat index o 52° Celsius pataas ang temperatura sa ilang lugar sa bansa dahil sa El Niño.

Una nang binigyang diin ng Department of Education (DepEd) na sa panahon ng sakuna o kalamidad, kabilang ang matinding init, maaaring magsuspinde ang mga punong-guro ng face-to-face classes at magpatupad ng blended learning. Sa ilalim ng DepEd Order No. 037 s. 2022, maaaring magpatupad ng modular distance learning, mga performance task, o make-up classes kapag nagsuspinde ng klase.

Bagama't maaaring magpatupad ang mga paaralan ng blended learning, binigyang diin ni Gatchalian na may mga hamon pa rin sa paggamit ng ADMs. Kabilang na rito ang kawalan ng maayos na internet sa ilang mga bahay. Nahihirapan din aniya ang ilang mga magulang na suportahan ang kanilang mga anak sa pagpapatupad ng blended learning.

Bagama't sinimulan na ng DepEd ang unti-unting pagbabalik sa dating school calendar na magsisimula sa Hunyo, hinimok ni Gatchalian ang ahensya na pag-aralan kung maaari pang magpatupad ng mas maikling transition period.

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