MANILA — The Department of Education has admitted that rising temperatures are posing a challenge to the learning of Filipino children. 

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of an event of the department and social media platform LinkedIn, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said they are is studying the possibility of hybrid learning amid the expected high temperatures in the coming months. 

“The more warm bodies, mas mainit sa classroom,” he said. 

Angara says greater renewable energy push will help ease heat in classrooms

The Education chief neither elaborated how hybrid learning would be carried out nor if it would be a similar experience to online learning at the height of the pandemic.   

Earlier this month, DepEd said that systems are in place to minimize the impacts of hot weather on learners — among them adjusting class schedules for both morning and afternoon shifts as well as ensuring that classrooms have adequate ventilation, fans and hydration stations. 

 Angara said that they are also looking at using solar power to help schools source cheaper electricity during times they are needed most.

 “Tinitignan namin kahit hindi new construction, alin yung mga schools na pwedeng lagyan ng solar power para sa kuryente. Kasi sa ngayon maraming eskwelahan na hindi option na maglagay ng aircon.”

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 (We are looking at not just new construction but even for existing ones, which schools can be given access to solar power. Right now, a lot of schools have no options that will allow them to use air conditioners.)

 State weather bureau PAGASA forecast Metro Manila’s heat index for Thursday to reach between 38 to 40 degrees celsius or the extreme caution category. 

Under such heat index, heat cramps and exhaustion are possible for those who continue physical activities amid prolonged exposure to hot weather.