DepEd Heat Stage Class Guidelines — At 42°C and Above, Both In-Person Classes and Home Learning Are Suspended

DepEd Heat Stage Class Guidelines — At 42°C and Above, Both In-Person Classes and Home Learning Are Suspended

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, Education Secretary Sonny Angara of the Department of Education (DepEd) said that if school temperatures reach 42°C, classes can be suspended entirely in consultation with local governments. DepEd issued guidelines in preparation for a strong El Niño (DepEd Memorandum 64, 2026), and during extreme heat, decisions will be made in stages at the school level rather than through a nationwide blanket class suspension.

■ What's changing
· Below 27°C: Regular in-person classes.
· 27–32°C: School heads may shorten in-person class hours or switch to blended or home learning.
· 33–41°C: In-person classes stop and switch to take-home assignments.
· 42°C and above: Both in-person classes and home learning activities are suspended.
· The threshold temperature differs by news report — Philstar reported it as air temperature, while GMA reported it as the heat index.
· Secretary Angara said that when students are sent home early, schools must notify the local government so that mayors and governors are kept informed.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Class attendance and home learning may change depending on the heat stage, so check your child's school announcement channels in advance.
· Since classes can end suddenly, it's a good idea to plan ahead for child care and getting your children home.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/28 — the local government consultation part was confirmed by one source), Philstar (10/27)

■ Photos
· 1. File photo · Exterior of the DepEd building in Pasig — Philstar
· 2. File photo · Electric fan running in a classroom — GMA News