DepEd: Western Visayas schools may shift to distance learning due to extreme heat
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd)-Region 6 has allowed schools across Western Visayas to implement distance learning due to the extreme heat.
PUPILS listen to their teacher at the Iloilo Central Elementary School in Iloilo City. The Department of Education (DepEd)-Region 6 has allowed schools across Western Visayas to implement distance learning due to the extreme heat. (Tara Yap)
DepEd-6 recently released Regional Memorandum 2023-282 that says distance learning can be applied to unfavorable weather such as “extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put learners’ health and wellness at risk.” DepEd-6 Director Ramir Uytico has given school principals the authority to shift learning modules similar to what was implemented during the height of the pandemic. School principals in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental as well as the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo can implement any of the modules as long as the school district superintendent has been informed. DepEd-6 has recorded minor heat-related medical incidents in some schools across Western Visayas but they do not have complete data. Uytico added that announcements from mayors can also help guide parents and school officials in each locality. “I call on our principals of DepEd to call off classes in case the temperature is too high. The authority to call off classes is with you," said Mayor Jerry Treñas here in a statement on Monday, April 24.
PUPILS listen to their teacher at the Iloilo Central Elementary School in Iloilo City. The Department of Education (DepEd)-Region 6 has allowed schools across Western Visayas to implement distance learning due to the extreme heat. (Tara Yap)
DepEd-6 recently released Regional Memorandum 2023-282 that says distance learning can be applied to unfavorable weather such as “extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put learners’ health and wellness at risk.” DepEd-6 Director Ramir Uytico has given school principals the authority to shift learning modules similar to what was implemented during the height of the pandemic. School principals in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental as well as the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo can implement any of the modules as long as the school district superintendent has been informed. DepEd-6 has recorded minor heat-related medical incidents in some schools across Western Visayas but they do not have complete data. Uytico added that announcements from mayors can also help guide parents and school officials in each locality. “I call on our principals of DepEd to call off classes in case the temperature is too high. The authority to call off classes is with you," said Mayor Jerry Treñas here in a statement on Monday, April 24.