SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr. on Monday backed recommendations to suspend in-person classes when the heat index soars to uncomfortable levels for students and teachers.

The senator said outdoor activities should be avoided and classrooms should have proper ventilation.

“Kung talagang dangerous ang heat index, kapag umabot na sa ganoon, no classes na or back to online. No need for learners and students to walk under the sun. I will be surprised kung hindi nagbe-brainstorming ang Department of Education about this,” Pimentel said.

Aside from installing electric fans, there should be proper distance in between students to avoid overcrowding.

“Prioritize to help our students survive the unbearable heat. Pati siguro mga designs ng school building dapat well-ventilated. The source of funding for possible electric fans will be the confidential funds. Ang DepEd may paghuhugutan pa yan sila and they have other sources within the department,” he said.

Pimentel agreed that there is a need to consider implementing the old school calendar so that students are not required to go to school during summer.