Courtesy: Department of Education

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it is strengthening school protocols to prepare for rising temperatures associated with El Niño and other extreme weather conditions.

In a statement, the department said its strategy centers on conducting risk assessments, updating contingency plans, and exploring flexible learning options to protect learners and school personnel during extreme heat.

“To maintain safe and healthy learning spaces, schools have also been directed to prioritize heat and water security by setting up water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, providing safe drinking water, fixing leaks, and improving classroom ventilation,” DepEd said.

School authorities may adjust class schedules or shift from in-person classes to distance learning when weather conditions warrant.

The Education Department said it is strengthening its school-level monitoring and reporting systems to track heat index levels, water availability, class suspensions, and health incidents in real time for targeted resource allocation.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen climate education, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to introduce climate literacy early in basic education, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Under the updated curriculum, lessons progress from basic environmental care in Kindergarten to Grade 3 to concerns such as air quality and waste management in Grades 4 to 6.

Junior high school students examine the causes of global warming, mitigation measures, and environmental advocacies.

Climate concepts are integrated into science, values, health, and livelihood subjects, covering resource conservation, renewable energy, and adaptive farming practices.

Beyond classroom lessons, DepEd is also encouraging student-led waste segregation, community cleanups, and drainage maintenance through the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization.

“If we teach our learners simple, actionable habits today, such as proper waste segregation and keeping our surroundings clean, we are equipping them with life skills that directly protect their communities tomorrow,” Angara said.

According to the DepEd chief, climate action also includes collaborative action and coordination between various stakeholders, including schools, local government units, and families of students who are also members of the community.

“Disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation are matters of shared accountability. DepEd will do its part by embedding these real-world solutions into our curriculum so that every learner knows their role in safeguarding our environment,” Angara said. — Gabriel Oliva