None of the schools in Eastern Visayas has resorted to distance learning even if the Department of Education (DepEd) allowed the suspension of face-to-face classes due to extreme heat, an official said on Tuesday. DepEd Eastern Visayas regional director Evelyn Fetalvero said they have not received reports that an in-person class in the region was suspended due to extreme summer heat. The education department regularly disseminates heat index figures to guide school heads through its social media accounts. ‘It’s the discretion of our school heads since they are more aware of the actual situation. Even if the temperature in their area is high, some still go on with their classes since there are many trees around the campus,” Fetalvero told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. The holding of online or other distance learning modes seeks to minimize the health and safety risks and uphold the physical and mental well-being of learners and school personnel. The official said teachers are prepared to implement alternative delivery modes in the event of the suspension of classes due to extreme heat, heavy rains, typhoons, earthquakes and other natural disasters. ‘We have developed new modules last year for use in adverse weather conditions. These modules are compliant to minimum learning competencies,’ she added. Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned of even warmer days ahead. The weather bureau states that 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. Tacloban, the regional capital recorded a 40 degrees Celsius on April 24.
Source: Philippines News Agency