Senate hearing on extreme heat set today

With 4,000 face-to-face classes suspended, a Senate panel will conduct a hearing today to discuss the effects of extreme heat on learners and the shift to alternative delivery modes.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is also asking the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education to revert to the pre-pandemic calendar this coming school year instead of a gradual return in SY 2025-2026.

“The almost unbearable rise in temperature for the summer and the recurring cancellation of face-to-face classes are both compelling reasons to fast-track the return to a JuneMarch academic calendar and spare students, as well as teachers, from the ill effects of the extreme heat,” Zubiri said.

“Aside from exposing our students and teachers to the dangers of extreme heat, I honestly believe that the prevailing weather conditions during summer are not conducive to learning,” he added.

Zubiri said he has withdrawn Senate Bill No. 788 filed at the start of the 19th Congress, which synchronizes the school year to start in August.

“In an ideal world, we do want to be in sync with international school calendars to give our students a better chance at getting into programs abroad,” he said.