Gatchalian urges DepEd to avoid worsening learning loss amid El Niño threat

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 01, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to adopt localized class suspension measures as the country prepares for the possible effects of a strong El Niño, warning that widespread cancellations could further disrupt students’ education.

Gatchalian said authorities must strike a balance between protecting learners from extreme heat and ensuring that they do not fall further behind in their studies.

He cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which estimated that a typical public elementary school lost around 20 instructional days during School Year 2025–2026 because of class suspensions caused by weather disturbances and other hazards.

The report also found that every day of suspended classes translated to an estimated loss of 1.4 days of progress in students’ reading skills.

Rather than imposing blanket or nationwide class suspensions, Gatchalian urged DepEd and local government units to assess conditions in individual schools and communities before deciding whether to cancel classes.

The senator’s appeal comes after DepEd introduced its 4H Framework, which provides guidance for schools in managing classes and learning activities based on heat conditions.

Under the framework, face-to-face classes may continue with safety measures during manageable conditions. Schools may adjust schedules or shift to alternative learning arrangements as heat risks increase.

When conditions become dangerous, academic activities may be reduced or suspended to prioritize students’ health and safety. The framework also calls for the suspension of academic activities when the heat index reaches 42 degrees Celsius or higher.

Gatchalian stressed that responses to extreme heat should be appropriate to local conditions, allowing schools to protect students while minimizing further interruptions to learning.