Amid the scorching heat being experienced in the country, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro ordered on Friday, April 5, the implementation of asynchronous classes in all levels for both private and public schools in the city on Monday, April 8.

Mayor Marcy Teodoro

"In response to the recent advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) regarding the escalating heat index, I have taken a proactive step to safeguard the well-being of our students and educators. In exercise of the authority granted to me under the Local Government Code, I hereby announce the implementation of asynchronous learning or the suspension of in-person classes at all levels for both private and public schools in the City of Marikina on Monday, April 8, 2024," Teodoro said.

"The decision was reached after comprehensive consultations with the DepEd- Marikina School Division Office, School heads, and parents, in accordance with the directive outlined in DepEd MEMORANDUM No. 2024-04 - 02477," he added.

According to the mayor, the city aims to create a conducive learning environment for the youth by prioritizing the well-being of its students and educators during challenging weather conditions.

"Furthermore, this adjustment gives our students an opportunity, from Saturday to Wednesday, to spend time with their families at home, thus promoting stronger familial bonds and affording much needed rest while studying," Teodoro explained.

"I urge everyone in the community to prioritize hydration and implement heat safety protocols during this time of abnormal temperatures. By fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, we can mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat and ensure the well-being of our communities," he noted.

On March 14, the DepEd announced that schools may suspend face-to-face classes amid unfavorable weather conditions such as extreme heat.

Based on the existing DepEd memorandum, DepEd Deputy Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Operations Francis Bringas explained that during unfavorable weather conditions, the school heads were instructed or given authority to suspend classes based on their “careful” consideration.

“Inaatasan natin or binibigyan natin ng authority ang ating mga school heads na mag-suspinde ng klase base sa kanilang maingat at wise discretion para masigurado na safe pa din ang ating mga mag-aaral pati na din ang ating mga guro (We instruct or give authority to our school heads to suspend classes based on their careful and wise discretion to ensure the safety of our students and teachers),” Bringas explained.

School authorities, he said, always await announcements from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) regarding the heat index in their respective areas.

“Iyon ang nagiging basehan din nila sa kanilang desisyon kung sususpindihin or hindi 'yung ating mga face-to-face classes at mag-shift na lang sa alternative or blended learning delivery mode (That has become the basis for their decision on whether to suspend our face-to-face classes and shift to alternative or blended learning delivery modes),” Bringas said.

Alternative Delivery Modes or ADMs, he explained, are “properly instituted” in schools to ensure learning continuity despite the suspension of face-to-face classes.

While DepEd’s policy on the suspension of in-person classes during adverse weather conditions covers public schools, Bringas said that affected private schools were highly encouraged to follow suit.

Although many private schools have installed air-conditioning units in their classrooms and are not as affected by this, Bringas said: “We are encouraging the private schools to do the same.”

For private schools without air-conditioning units, Bringas urged them to adhere to announcements from DepEd and their local government units (LGUs).

“Ine- encourage natin sila na sundin din 'yung ating mga protocols para na din sa kaligtasan ng ating mga learners, public man iyan or private (We are encouraging them to follow our protocols for the safety of our learners, whether they are from public or private [institutions],” he said.