The Department of Education announced on Friday the nationwide implementation of asynchronous classes or distance learning starting April 15 to April 16 in all public schools in the country.
A DepEd advisory posted on Facebook reads: “In order to allow learners to complete pending assignments, projects, and other requirements as the end of school year is fast-approaching, all public schools nationwide shall implement
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASSES DISTANCE LEARNING on April 15-16, 2024.”
While private schools are not covered by the aforementioned advisory, they are free to implement the same should the need arise, the education department said.
Faculty and teaching personnel of public schools are not required to report for work. However, programs organized by the Regional and Schools Division Offices, such as Regional Athletic Meets and other division or school level programs, may continue as planned.
The end of School Year 2023-2024 is set on May 31.
According to DepEd, a total of 7,080 of the 47,678 schools in the country (14.8%) announced suspensions of face-to-face classes. The necessary shift in learning modes was due to extreme temperatures.
Central Luzon reported 1,903 affected schools while Central Visayas and Western Visayas at 870 and 862, respectively.
About 311 schools suspended face-to-face classes in the National Capital Region.
PAGASA reported that six Philippine areas are expected to be struck by dangerously high temperatures on Friday.
PAGASA weather forecaster Ana Clauren-Jorda said that Dagupan, Pangasinan will be experiencing 44 degrees Celsius, while Bacnotan, La Union 43 Celsius.
Provinces such as Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan in Palawan, also Catarman in Northern Samar, and Cotabato City in Maguindanao should brace themselves for 42C heat.
The country’s heat index is how hot it really feels outside, as humidity and other factors are taken into account.
Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are more likely to occur when temperatures hit between 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, while continued exposure to dangerous levels can produce “heat stroke,” PAGASA said.
The heatwave is an offshoot of the coming easterly winds or warm winds from the Pacific, PAGASA’s Clauren-Jorda told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
The country’s typically hottest and driest months arrive in March, April, and May. What exacerbated the climatic condition is the coming of El Niño weather phenomenon.
Meanwhile, the adjusted working hours for local government unit employees will commence on May 2, instead of April 15, as previously announced, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
MMDA chairman Don Artes said the agency and members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) headed by its president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora have made the decision on Friday to give the LGUs more time to prepare for the adjustment.
The MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in the National Capital Region, is the governing board and the policy-making body of the MMDA.
Under the MMDA resolution, the working hours in LGUs will be shifted from the traditional schedule of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The resolution highlights the persistent traffic congestion in Metro Manila and the need for innovative solutions to improve commuting conditions and the well-being of citizens.
A recent study supports the potential effectiveness of implementing a standardized working schedule for government offices in Metro Manila, particularly during peak hours to ease traffic congestion.
LGUs are advised to issue an ordinance to implement the adjusted working schedule. However, government agencies in the NCR providing essential services may adopt the adjusted working schedule provided that they ensure continuous and uninterrupted public service delivery.
The resolution recommends that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issue an executive order for the implementation of the modified working hours in Metro Manila local governments.
Artes said the traffic situation in Metro Manila is caused by the continuing increase in vehicles in the NCR, the condition of the streets, and infrastructure projects, among others.
The MMDA is investing in modern technology for more effective traffic response, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Transport Systems in the Communications and Command Center and the use of CCTVs for better real-time monitoring.