Ang Init! Extreme Heat Prompts Schools And Parents To Come Up With Solutions To Help Students

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that certain areas in the country are expected to experience a dangerous heat index of 42 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat most of the country is experiencing has raised significant concerns about the safety and well-being of school children, prompting education authorities and even parents to seek adaptive measures to protect students from the adverse effects of the heatwave.

The DepEd’s response to the heat

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Calabarzon has issued a directive allowing schools to transition to modular distance learning to avoid health risks to learners and teachers due to extreme heat. Regional Memorandum No. 233-2024 underscores the authority of school heads to suspend face-to-face classes when the heat index reaches or exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, as advised by the local meteorological agency or local government unit. Alberto Escobarte, director of DepEd-Region 4A, emphasized the unanimous agreement on the 40-degree Celsius threshold as the trigger for shifting to distance learning, highlighting the priority of health and safety over traditional classroom settings.

A copy of the memorandum posted on DepEd-R4A Calabarzon’s page on Tuesday, April 2, reads:

“School heads are reminded of their authority and responsibility to suspend in-person classes (F2F) and automatically implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment, particularly where there is an extremely high temperature reaching the heat index of 40 degrees Celsius and above as provided by the Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) or as issued by the concerned Local Government Unit.

“In extreme circumstances, however, if the temperature becomes unbearable and poses a health risk even without reaching the threshold, the school head may suspend the face-to-face classes and advise the adoption of MDL subject to the condition that a report be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent.”

The memorandum also lists preventive measures schools can adopt to mitigate extremely high temperatures in classrooms:

“Ensure that classrooms are adequately ventilated; provide access to potable drinking water throughout school premises and encourage learners and teachers to bring water provision in tumblers or other appropriate containers.”

Other measures include creating shaded areas in outdoor spaces, and for school officials to “consider adjusting schedules, if applicable, such as starting classes early and having shorter outdoor activities, allow lighter clothing during hot weather, ensuring learners and teachers are comfortable inside the school.”

Calabarzon, or Region 4A, stands for the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

Community and parental support against the heat

The National Parents-Teachers Association Philippines (NPTA) has also stepped forward in response to the pressing need for better heat mitigation in classrooms by offering to donate additional electric fans to public schools. This initiative aims to improve ventilation and provide some relief to students and teachers.

Lito Senieto, NPTA Executive Vice President, highlighted the proactive role of parents and PTA officers in ensuring the comfort of students through donations and maintenance of cooling equipment. “With regard to electric fans, and nagpo-provide talaga ay PTA (Parents-Teachers Association). Ang PTA officers ang pino-project agad ay electric fans, ceiling fans, stand fan, and wall fan.”

“May mga parents din na iyong kanilang mga anak, nasa dulo, hindi na tinatamaan ng hangin ng electric fan. Iyon din po nagboboluntaryo rin na mag-donate ng electric fan. Ang PTA nag aayos din ng mga sirang electric fan,” he added.

The DepEd mentioned that they have allocated a budget for the maintenance of fans. “Mayroon naman po tayong binababang mga MOOE (maintenance and other operating expenses) sa ating mga school para siguraduhin na kung nasira man ang electric fan ay mapagawa nila. Ventilation sa ating schools ay something very important,” said DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa.

Other tips from parents for keeping children cool

At the Smart Parenting Village, parents have shared their strategies for helping their children cope with the heat. Including some responses from their respective schools.

Use of portable cooling devices

Many parents recommend sending children to school with portable rechargeable mini fans or cooling powders to help regulate their body temperature.

One parent shared, “My daughter brings a rechargeable fan that lasts her all day. She also has a cooling powder with her. I let her bring an extra shirt in case she gets all sweaty from their activities. I remind her to hydrate all the time.”

Hydration and use of cooling sprays

Several parents mentioned encouraging their children to stay hydrated by bringing water bottles and using water spray mists. Some suggested including sports drinks like Pocari Sweat for additional hydration, with a caution about its sugar content. “Aside sa hand held fan and baon na cold water in his flask, our teen brings Pocari Sweat 30ml to school. Hindi na kasi enough yung water to ‘quench the thirst’ during very hot and humid days. Precaution when drinking Pocari and other energy drinks: You should engage in physical activity, otherwise parang softdrinks lang ang dating sa iyo because of its sugar content.”

Adjustments in school attire.

Other parents have shared that their children’s schools have allowed students to wear casual or lighter clothing, such as sleeveless dresses or shorts, to keep them comfortable and reduce heat stress.

Using sun protection

Parents also recommend applying sunscreen, wearing hats or using umbrellas, and again, the use of hand-held fans for protection against the sun and heat, especially during commutes to and from school.

“Ang struggle namin is pauwi from school lalo na katirikan ng araw. I always have a water spray mist, I slather her with SPF in the morning and she wears a hat. I also have pamaypay and hand-held fan tuwing susunduin ko siya.”

Creative cooling solutions

Another parent recommends using cooling patches even without a fever for heat relief. “My sister puts Cool Fever sa likod kahit walang lagnat para hindi masyado mainitan. Works for adults too!”

Alternative schooling methods

Supporting the shift to online classes or modular learning during extreme heat conditions ensures the safety of children while maintaining educational continuity. Several parents mentioned that their children’s schools have already shifted to online classes, while other schools have suspended outdoor activities and kept all classes and activities in air conditioned spaces.

The collective efforts of educational authorities, parents, and community organizations highlight the importance of adaptability and proactive measures in ensuring the well-being of students amidst the challenges of extreme heat. The tips provided by parents, grounded in their experiences and concern for their children's comfort and safety, serve as valuable guidance for others navigating similar conditions.

Read here to know the early signs of heat exhaustion in your kids.