By Simone Saraspi

Despite the suggestions of educational sectors and the “extreme” weather conditions in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) has no plans yet of moving the school summer break back to April and May.

Senate basic education committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian proposed to revert back to the previous school calendar as the senator cited reports of the effect of extreme heat on students. 

Last week, it was reported that more than 100 students were hospitalized during a fire and earthquake drill in a school in Laguna after experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion. 

As a response to the proposal, DepEd Spokesman Michael Poa told reporters on Wednesday, March 29, that they will take note of the information and that studies are yet to be conducted regarding the matter. 

Poa, however, reiterated that school heads have the discretion to suspend in-person classes, stating that, “[They may] switch to alternative delivery modes or blended learning if the environment is not conducive to learning. Further, it is already our [standard operating procedure] that whenever in-person classes are suspended, learners immediately switched to blended learning or [alternative delivery modes].”
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers supported the proposals of reverting to the previous school break schedule, citing that an online survey shows over 11, 700 teachers are in favor of this.