QC gov't shortens classes in public schools due to extreme heat
The School Division Office of Quezon City (SDO-QC) has implemented shortened classes and blended learning in the city’s public schools due to soaring temperatures being recorded in the city.
The local government said on Friday, May 5, that the SDO-QC allowed the shortened classes and blended learning for the protection of the learners following the Department of Education order endorsing modular distance learning in the event of natural disasters, power outages/interruptions, and other calamities.
“Our utmost priority will always be the welfare of our children. Since the summer heat is too much to bear, especially in classrooms, we welcome the implementation of blended, modular, or shortened class periods for public schools,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
According to the city government, school heads are required to report their delivery mode weekly depending on the changing weather as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Out of 95 public elementary schools, two have implemented print modular, 13 opted for blended learning, while 10 started implementing shortened class periods for the first week of May, it said.
It added that among the 63 public secondary schools in the city, two schools also implemented print modular, 26 the blended learning mode , while eight chose shortened class periods.
It also said that shortened class period starts from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for the morning batch; and 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the afternoon sessions.
The choice of modality was determined after consultation with all stakeholders, it added.