Public schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) in Dumaguete City are prepared to implement alternative learning methods as the dry season approaches and heat indexes rise.

Dr. Juditha Mapue, chief of the Curriculum Implementation Department, told the Philippine News Agency that they are ready to shift to blended learning and modular approaches if face-to-face classes need to be suspended.

Schools can switch to distance learning when the heat index reaches at least 42 degrees Celsius.

“We received a memorandum from the DepEd central office directing us to prepare strategies for extreme heat conditions,” she said, adding that teachers have been informed to make necessary preparations.

Dumaguete’s heat index this week was between 35 and 38 degrees.

Mapue said all school activities must end by the middle of April as the agency is slowly transitioning back to the old calendar where classes start in June.

School Year 2025-2026 is expected to start by the end of June or first week of July, according to Mapue. (PNA)