The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing guidelines to help schools nationwide manage the anticipated effects of El Niño in School Year 2026–2027, with measures to safeguard learners from extreme heat and water shortages while ensuring learning continuity and uninterrupted school-feeding services.
The planned guidelines respond to the advisory of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST–PAGASA), which warned of potentially strong to very strong El Niño conditions that could peak before the end of 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the department is strengthening its preparations to minimize disruptions and protect the welfare of learners and school personnel.
“Under the guidance of President Marcos, we are tightening our proactive, protective and anticipatory responses to ensure the adverse effect of El Niño is mitigated. We must prepare early to protect learners and keep education services going despite climate-related disruptions,” Angara said.
Aligned with DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies, the forthcoming memorandum introduces the 4H framework: Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, and Hinto. The framework will guide schools and Community Learning Centers (CLCs) in adjusting learning arrangements according to local conditions and the severity of climate-related disruptions.
Under Hayo, face-to-face classes continue with preventive measures such as scheduled water breaks, moving outdoor activities to cooler hours or shaded areas, and allowing flexible attire, including physical education uniforms.
At the Hinay level, when heat-related risks increase, schools may implement modified class schedules supported by structured home-based or hybrid learning arrangements.
Under Hinga, which covers extreme heat concerns or water supply interruptions, schools will significantly reduce academic demands and prioritize learner welfare through supplementary learning packets, short literacy and numeracy activities, and educational resources from DepEd TV and radio.
At the Hinto level, when heat index conditions become unsafe, academic activities are suspended. Schools will continue essential communication, safety checks, and referrals for psychosocial support.
Angara emphasized that school heads and schools division superintendents will have the flexibility to make decisions based on actual conditions in their communities, including classroom ventilation and water availability.
The guidelines will also require integrated school-level risk assessments covering water supply reliability, classroom thermal safety, electricity resilience, and fire prevention.
To protect learners’ health and nutrition during prolonged dry spells, DepEd will strengthen contingency measures for the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP). Schools Division Offices and school heads must prepare alternative menus, coordinate with local government units and agricultural cooperatives for local food sourcing, and maintain buffer stocks of shelf-stable food supplies.
Additional measures include monitoring classroom temperatures and humidity using calibrated devices, maintaining cross-ventilation, and allowing light, breathable clothing, including official DepEd collared shirts and PE uniforms.
Schools must also address water security and sanitation by promptly repairing leaks, establishing safe drinking water stations, and coordinating with local water utilities on possible rationing arrangements.
To prevent learning disruptions, schools will preposition Self-Learning Modules and Learning Activity Sheets before peak heat months to ensure that learning materials are readily available when needed.
DepEd will also enforce a zero out-of-pocket cost policy for families, prohibiting schools from charging parents or requiring them to purchase cooling equipment, connectivity, or specialized attire as a condition for flexible learning arrangements.
