The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued new guidelines allowing school heads to decide whether to continue, shorten, or suspend classes based on actual classroom temperatures to safeguard students, teachers, and school staff against severe heat.
The policy directive comes as the DepEd rolled out its new “4H Framework” under DepEd Memorandum No. 64, Series of 2026, putting proactive measures in place ahead of the expected impact of the El Niño phenomenon in the coming months.
Ian Arnold Arnaez, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental DepEd Division, said on Tuesday, Oct. 27, so far they have not received any reports on the need to suspend classes because of extreme heat.
Under DepEd Memorandum No. 64, the 4H Framework sets four response tiers tied to temperature thresholds and health interventions:
- HAYO (Below
): In-person classes proceed normally, with mandatory hydration breaks, adequate drinking water, and well-ventilated learning spaces. - HINAY ( to ): Schools may implement modified or shortened class schedules—such as early morning or late afternoon shifts—or adopt hybrid and home-based learning modalities.
- HINGA ( to ): In-person classes are suspended, and academic demands are reduced to light home-based tasks, distance learning modules, and broadcast instruction.
- HINTO ( and Above): All educational activities, including home-based assignments and online classes, are fully suspended to prioritize student and staff health and safety.
Arnaez said school heads are allowed to exercise sound judgment based on the actual local conditions.*
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