What Parents Need to Know About Super El Niño DepEd Guidelines

As the country prepares for the anticipated impacts of a very strong El Niño during School Year 2026–2027, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued significant guidelines to help schools protect learners and teachers from extreme heat while ensuring the continuity of education.

A strong to very strong El Niño is currently affecting the Tropical Pacific, according to PAGASA, and most climate models expect it to persist through the first quarter of 2027. The phenomenon is forecast to peak before the end of 2026, with its effects potentially extending into the first half of 2027.

Under DepEd Memorandum No. 064, s. 2026, released on October 27, schools must implement measures based on local conditions, including heat severity, classroom temperatures, humidity levels, and water availability. The guidelines reinforce the department’s 4H Learning Continuity Framework under DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026.

The framework guides schools in determining appropriate learning arrangements during “extreme heat, drought, water shortages, and other emergencies.”

The said framework outlines four response levels—Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, and Hinto—that guide school administrators in deciding whether to continue regular classes, adjust learning modalities, reduce academic requirements, or temporarily suspend learning activities.

DepEd said the approach aims to protect the health and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel without unnecessarily disrupting education.

HAYO. Continue classes below 27°C. When conditions remain manageable, schools may continue face-to-face classes while implementing safety measures. These include scheduled hydration breaks, proper classroom ventilation and adjusting outdoor activities to cooler hours.

HINAY.  Modify learning arrangements at 27°C–32°C. When temperatures begin to pose a greater risk of heat stress, schools may shorten face-to-face class hours, adjust schedules, or shift to hybrid and home-based learning arrangements. These measures allow learning to continue while reducing learners’ and teachers’ exposure to uncomfortable or potentially unsafe classroom conditions.

HINGA. Suspend face-to-face classes and reduce academic demands at 33°C–41°C.

At this level, schools may suspend in-person classes and significantly reduce academic requirements to prioritize health and well-being. Teachers may provide light learning activities, printed learning packets, or educational resources through DepEd TV and radio. The focus is on maintaining learning continuity without placing excessive demands on learners during extreme heat index.

HINTO. Stop academic activities, including home-based learning, at 42°C and above. The priority shifts to protecting learners and school personnel, communicating with families, and conducting safety checks on learners’ well-being while addressing immediate safety needs.

“School heads must exercise sound professional judgment based on actual local conditions, considering PAGASA heat index forecasts, classroom ventilation, water availability, access to learning resources, and learners' circumstances at home,” DepEd guidelines say.

Schools may already suspend face-to-face classes even when the heat index has not reached the Danger or Extreme Danger levels if conditions become unbearable or pose health and safety risks to the school community. School heads must coordinate such decisions with the Schools Division Superintendent and follow applicable guidelines.

The localized approach gives school heads greater flexibility to respond to on-the-ground conditions instead of relying exclusively on blanket class suspensions.

As the country prepares for possible prolonged heat and drought, DepEd’s 4H framework underscores the need for schools to adapt to emergencies while keeping learners safe.

The framework recognizes that learning cannot be sustained effectively when students and teachers face unsafe conditions. Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to monitor official declarations and announcements from their schools, local government units, and DepEd itself.

Meanwhile, as parents, we must ensure children stay hydrated, recognize signs of heat-related illness, and report safety concerns to school personnel.

Here are some tips and tricks to keep kids safe during extreme heat.