Senator backs return to old school calendar

MANILA, Philippines —   Expressing concern over the prevailing heat conditions, Sen. Francis Tolentino has expressed support for the proposal to revert to the old school calendar.

Tolentino underscored the importance of parental discretion in deciding whether students should attend school during a heatwave.

“It is equally vital for education institutions to provide alternative learning solutions,” he said.

Emphasizing the need for calendar adjustments if the heat conditions persist, the senator asked Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. whether or not the current heat index trends will last until next year.

Solidum said the continuity of the current heat index temperature into the following year is not yet confirmed. This uncertainty arises due to the impending transition to La Niña conditions.

Transitioning to La Niña typically results in cooler temperatures, which may differ from the present situation.

In addition to discussing the implications of the heat index, Tolentino raised a query regarding the distinction between a heatwave and heat index.

He advocated the use of “heatwave,” citing its international recognition and prevalence among tourists.

Solidum clarified that the term is not commonly used in the Philippines where high temperatures are not extraordinary.

He explained that while heatwaves are recognized internationally, it typically involves three to five consecutive days of exceptionally high temperatures.

In light of the extreme heat being experienced the country, the city government of Valenzuela has included the heat index in its guidelines when suspending classes.

The local government has amended Ordinance No. 1052 Series of 2022 or the Automatic Class Suspension Ordinance, adding the dangerous heat index as among the reasons for suspending face-to-face classes and work in schools.

In the amendment, onsite classes and work in public and private schools from basic education, pre-school, elementary and secondary levels are automatically canceled or suspended if temperatures spike up to 42 degrees Celsius and above.

Instead of onsite physical classes, schools shall shift to only synchronous and asynchronous modes. –  Emmanuel Tupas