THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) is set to issue comprehensive guidelines directing schools nationwide to prepare for the severe impacts of the El Niño phenomenon expected during School Year 2026–2027.

The proactive measures aim to safeguard learners from extreme heat stress and water supply shortages while ensuring the continuous delivery of learning and school-feeding programs.

The upcoming issuance follows a climate advisory from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), warning of potentially strong to very strong El Niño conditions that could peak in late 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,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “We must prepare early to protect learners and keep education services going despite climate-related disruptions.”

Aligned with DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026 (Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies), the policy mandates schools and Community Learning Centers (CLCs) to adopt a localized “4H Framework”—comprising Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, and Hinto—to manage school operations based on heat index levels and climate conditions:

Hayo (Manageable Conditions): In-person classes continue on campus with thermal adaptations, including scheduled hydration breaks, shifting outdoor activities to shaded areas or cooler morning hours, and permitting lighter, flexible, or PE attire.

Hinay (Moderate Heat Stress): Schools may transition to modified class days paired with structured home-based or hybrid learning modes.

Hinga (Extreme Heat Caution / Water Shortage): Academic loads are significantly reduced to prioritize student and staff well-being, relying on self-learning modules, short literacy and numeracy exercises, and educational broadcasts via DepEd TV and radio.

Hinto (Unsafe Heat Conditions): All academic activities are temporarily suspended. Schools will focus on essential communication, safety checks, and psychosocial support referrals.

DepEd emphasized that local school heads and division superintendents will have the authority to decide which protocol level to implement based on real-time local conditions.

“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 requires all schools to conduct comprehensive risk assessments, evaluating local water reliability, classroom ventilation safety, electrical grid resilience, and fire hazard prevention ahead of the peak heat months.