AS THE country braces for rising temperatures, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of students.

With the growing concern over extreme heat, Gatchalian emphasized the need for precautionary measures such as avoiding outdoor activities to ensure that no incidents occur during the hotter days.

Gatchalian’s call comes as the Philippines continues to face the challenges posed by climate change.

He noted that while the heat may disrupt the traditional in-person learning process, it is essential to still meet the expected learning outcomes for students.

He encouraged educational institutions to find ways to adapt and continue fostering an environment conducive to learning, even with the interruptions brought about by extreme weather conditions.

Highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards, Gatchalian underscored the importance of building resilience within the education sector.

He called for greater investments in climate-resilient schools that are better equipped to handle the changing climate.

This includes improving ventilation systems and installing more effective cooling systems to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on both students and educators.

In his statement, Gatchalian also emphasized the need to enhance the capabilities of schools, teachers, and students to utilize alternative delivery modes.

These modes include online learning and other flexible forms of education, which would ensure that disruptions caused by adverse weather events do not hinder students’ academic progress.

Gatchalian warned that failure to adapt to these challenges could exacerbate the already dire educational crisis.

“We should not let our educational crisis worsen because we are also facing a climate crisis,” Gatchalian stressed.