ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Tuesday stressed the urgent need for more classrooms and adequate ventilation in schools, as the unbearable heat index being felt by students and teachers becomes an eye-opener to the prevailing challenges faced in the education sector.

Thus, she called on the Department of Education and the government to swiftly address this pressing issue by allocating sufficient funds for the construction of new classrooms and the improvement of ventilation systems in schools nationwide.

Castro said as the temperature rises and the heat index reaches alarming levels, students and teachers are forced to endure uncomfortable learning environments that hinder their ability to focus and perform well academically.

The solon also emphasized that this situation calls for immediate action to address the lack of infrastructure and insufficient ventilation systems in schools.

“The current heat index experienced by our students and teachers should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize the construction of additional classrooms and the improvement of ventilation systems in our schools,” said Castro.

“It is unjust for our learners and educators to suffer in unbearable conditions that directly affect their health, well-being, and academic performance.,” she added.

Castro further stressed that the lack of adequate infrastructure not only affects the physical comfort of students and teachers but also infringes upon their right to quality education.

She stressed that proper learning environments are crucial for the holistic development and success of students.