DepEd readies El Niño protocols to protect school safety, learning continuity

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara is set to issue guidelines directing schools nationwide to prepare for the anticipated effects of El Niño in School Year 2026–2027, with measures to protect learners from extreme heat and water shortages and sustain learning and school-feeding services.

The guidelines respond to the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST–Pagasa) advisory on potentially strong to very strong El Niño conditions that could peak before the end of 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.

“Under the guidance of President Marcos, we are tightening our proactive, protective, and anticipatory responses to ensure the adverse effects of El Niño are mitigated. We must prepare early to protect learners and keep education services going despite climate-related disruptions,” Angara said.

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Under the new policy, which aligns with DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026 or the Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies, schools and Community Learning Centers (CLCs) will implement the 4H framework comprising Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, and Hinto to manage localized adjustments during climate disruptions.

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Under Hayo, representing manageable conditions, face-to-face classes continue on campus with thermal adaptations such as scheduled water breaks, shifting outdoor activities to early morning or shaded areas, and allowing flexible or PE attire.

When conditions escalate to Hinay, indicating heat stress, schools may adopt modified class days paired with structured home-based or hybrid learning.

At the Hinga level, signifying extreme heat caution or a loss of water supply, academic demands are substantially reduced to prioritize well-being, relying on supplementary learning packets, short literacy and numeracy activities, and broadcast resources via DepEd TV and radio.

Under Hinto, which denotes unsafe heat index conditions, academic activities are suspended while schools maintain essential communication, safety checks, and psychosocial support referrals.

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“We are giving our school heads and division superintendents the practical flexibility to exercise sound judgment based on actual ground conditions, classroom ventilation, and water availability. We trust our field managers to make the right call for their communities,” Angara added.

The forthcoming memorandum also mandates integrated school-level risk assessments covering water supply reliability, classroom thermal safety, electricity resilience, and fire hazard prevention.

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To sustain health and nutrition services during prolonged dry spells, DepEd has established strict protocols for the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP).Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and school heads must develop contingency menus, partner with local government units (LGUs) and agricultural cooperatives for local food sourcing, and maintain buffer stocks of shelf-stable commodities to ensure uninterrupted nutritional support for vulnerable learners.

Key protective measures outlined in the policy include thermal safety and attire flexibility by monitoring classroom temperatures and humidity using calibrated devices, maintaining cross-ventilation, and authorizing teachers and learners to wear light, breathable clothing, including official DepEd collared shirts and PE uniforms.

Schools must also manage water security and sanitation by repairing water leaks immediately, establishing safe drinking stations, and coordinating closely with local water utility providers for rationing contingencies.

Learning resources will also be proactively prepositioned by buffer-stocking physical Self-Learning Modules and Learning Activity Sheets prior to peak heat months to ensure immediate distribution.

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Crucially, the guidelines enforce zero out-of-pocket costs for families by strictly prohibiting schools from charging parents or requiring them to purchase cooling equipment, connectivity, or specialized attire as a condition for flexible instruction. /cb