THE COMMISSION on Human Rights supported the decision of the Department of Education to allow schools to conduct blended and alternative learning modes to protect students from natural disasters and extreme climate conditions.

The Education department earlier released a memorandum allowing school heads and directors to cancel face-to-face classes or conduct blended learning.

The CHR said such decision will promote a safe learning environment for children in pursuant to the Convention on the Rights of a Child, and a safe working environment for faculty and staff.

“Displaying commendable responsiveness and adaptiveness, DepEd adjusted their perspective on blended learning arrangements following reports of students experiencing heat-related health issues, such as the case in Laguna during the last week of March, when dozens of students fainted due to heat exhaustion as they stayed outdoors for their school’s fire and earthquake drills,” the commission said.

It lauded DepEd for deferring to the judgment of principals, recognizing that each school may have unique experiences and capabilities in coping with the heat.