SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian renewed his call to principals and school heads to implement blended learning when the heat becomes too unbearable for learners.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education made the plea after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued an El Niño Alert.

“Ang pinaka-importanteng responsibilidad ng principals natin ay yung kapakanan o kalagayan ng ating mga estudyante. Kung nakikita nila na sobrang init o may bagyo o anumang hindi maganda sa kanilang lugar, pwedeng mag-cancel ng klase ang ating principals. Pwede rin sila ngayong mag-blended learning,” Gatchalian said.

The Department of Education previously reported that some schools have implemented blended learning amid the extreme heat. It said that in-person classes are being held during cooler hours but are supplemented by alternative learning delivery modes.

Under DepEd Order No. 037 s. 2022, modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects or make up classes shall be implemented in the event of canceled or suspended classes to ensure that learning competencies and objectives are still met.

Gatchalian also proposed the return to the old schedule of public schools’ summer vacation.

Gatchalian said the old vacation schedule allows learners to spend time bonding with their families during the dry months.