Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Friday commended the Department of Education (DepEd) for immediately adjusting class schedules to protect students and teachers from the sweltering heat.

“I’m grateful to DepEd for making the adjustments. The safety and welfare of our people is important to me. We managed to switch to online learning before, and we can do it again now — not just for students but for workers as well. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, this is very important to me,” Go said in a radio interview, emphasizing the feasibility of reverting to remote learning if necessary. He also called on employers to consider adjusting work hours to safeguard workers’ well-being.

Under DepEd’s guidelines, schools can modify schedules and adopt alternative learning methods to keep classrooms safe and comfortable. Typical measures include running morning sessions from 6 AM to 10 AM, allowing asynchronous activities midday, and resuming afternoon sessions from 2 PM to 6 PM. DepEd has also advised schools to limit outdoor activities, improve ventilation, and provide hydration stations.

Meanwhile, In Abra, the provincial government suspended face-to-face classes in both public and private schools due to intense heat. Online classes and other remote learning methods will continue to ensure uninterrupted education.

Temperatures are on the rise in Baguio City as well, ranging from around 17°C in the morning to about 24°C at midday. Local officials urge the public to follow health and safety guidelines to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Citing advice from the Department of Health (DoH), Go has warned of the serious health risks caused by the extreme heat being experienced in areas of the Philippines, such as heat stroke and heat cramps.

“According to the DoH, extreme exposure to intense heat can cause various illnesses. Some of these can be dangerous, like heat stroke, which can be fatal. You can get heat cramps and you know that can lead to heat stroke. Anyway, stay safe. Prevention is always better than cure. Let’s be careful, fellow citizens,” he said.