The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified its guidelines on suspending classes in 2026 as the extreme heat and El Niño conditions create worries on students’ safety.
Notable of course, DepEd Memorandum No. 64, s. Schools are required to evaluate the heat index to determine if classes will proceed or if classes will be canceled for the safety of the students in 2026.
The revised PAGASA Heat Index guidelines provide for action for the temperatures, such as the cancellation of face-to-face and home-based activities for dangerous heat.
PAGASA Heat Index Danger Level Starts at 42°C
PAGASA defines a heat index value between 42°C to 51°C as Danger and above 52°C as Extreme Danger. Heat cramps, heat fatigue and even heatstroke, which can be life-threatening, may result from extended exposure and are preventable.
DepEd Class Suspension Guidelines for 2026 Explained
According to GMA News, DepEd’s revised guidelines say that modified learning can be conducted at 27°C – 32°C and that face-to-face (F2F) classes can be put on hold when the temperature is between 33°C – 41°C, moving students to home-based activities. Instruction and home-based academic activities are suspended at 42℃ and higher.
LGU Walang Pasok Rules and School Head Authority
Local government agencies continue to play a crucial role in making announcements to suspend classes. Education Secretary Sonny Angara explained that the school heads’ notification to their LGUs must come before the suspension of classes. Local decisions made, not national, based on the classroom temperature and humidity, and on the basis of the actual conditions.
How Parents Can Check Class Suspension Announcements
Parents should keep an eye out for official DepEd announcements, PAGASA heat advisories and verified LGU social media pages regarding official Walang Pasok notices. Schools may also make individual arrangements for communications of schedule changes. Families need to ensure announcements include face-to-face classes, home-based classes or both.
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