SENATOR Francis Tolentino emphasized on Tuesday the necessity for academic institutions to devise short-term strategies enabling learners to persist in their studies despite the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon.

Speaking during the hearing of the Committee on Basic Education regarding the impacts of extreme heat on class activities and the adoption of alternative delivery modes, Tolentino stressed the importance of implementing measures that facilitate uninterrupted learning for students.

He added that parents should be empowered to make decisions in the best interest of their children.

“It’s not up to the principals, no offense, to determine whether a Grade 3 or Grade 4 student should attend classes in Sultan Kudarat or Laoag,” he remarked. “The decision lies with the parents, while schools and academic institutions should adapt their approaches accordingly, ensuring that learners are not further disadvantaged.”

Additionally, Tolentino highlighted the long-term solution of transitioning to the traditional school calendar, running from June to March next year.