The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing new guidelines for extreme heat and possible water shortages linked to El Niño, including flexible learning arrangements and class suspensions when necessary.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the measures aim to protect students’ health while ensuring education continues during School Year 2026–2027.
The preparations follow a warning from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that a strong to very strong El Niño could develop before the end of 2026 and continue through the first half of 2027.
DepEd is preparing a four-level system called the “4H framework,” consisting of Hayo, Hinay, Hinga and Hinto. The levels would guide schools in adjusting classes according to actual weather conditions and school circumstances.
Under Hayo, face-to-face classes would continue, with regular water breaks, restrictions on outdoor activities during extreme heat and permission for students to wear cooler clothing.
At the Hinay level, schools could shorten or adjust class schedules and introduce home-based or hybrid learning when students experience heat stress.
Hinga would involve significantly reducing activities and lessons during severe heat or water shortages. At the highest level, Hinto, academic activities would be suspended if students’ health were at risk.
Schools would also be required to assess classroom ventilation, water and electricity supplies, and the availability of learning materials for alternative learning arrangements.
DepEd is preparing measures to maintain its School-Based Feeding Program, including storing nonperishable food and coordinating with local government units to secure supplies.
The department also emphasized that parents must not be required to spend money on cooling equipment, internet connections or special clothing as a condition for flexible learning.
The planned guidelines are intended to help schools respond to changing weather conditions while protecting students and maintaining access to education throughout the school year.
