THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) will allow students to attend classes without school uniforms as the country prepares for the potentially severe effects of El Niño.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said students may wear decent, comfortable clothing instead of uniforms, citing the intense heat inside classrooms.

The measure supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to prepare for the anticipated weather phenomenon, which could bring prolonged dry conditions to several parts of the country.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum earlier warned that drought or unusually dry conditions could affect many provinces by the end of March 2027, depending on rainfall patterns.

DepEd is also considering class suspensions when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher to protect students from heat-related illnesses.

Angara raised the possibility during a Senate budget hearing in response to concerns from Sen. Bam Aquino about public schools’ readiness for extreme heat. He stressed that students could suffer headaches, nosebleeds, and other health problems even before temperatures reach that level.

Local government units generally have the authority to suspend classes, while school administrators may also act during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross is partnering with DepEd to strengthen school safety and disaster preparedness. Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said the initiative will support school-based Red Cross Youth clubs, first-aid and CPR training, disaster-risk reduction, mental health awareness, and humanitarian values.