Uniforms optional, classes possibly suspended as El Niño threatens schools

National

SCHOOL uniforms may be set aside as the country braces for a super El Niño, with the Department of Education (DepEd) easing dress requirements and considering class suspensions to protect students from extreme heat.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said students may wear appropriate civilian clothing instead of uniforms, as the department recognizes the discomfort caused by high temperatures inside classrooms.

“There is no need to wear uniform, informal, anything, as long as it’s a little dignified, but we will not be strict with wearing uniforms because we know it’s hot inside the classrooms,” Angara said in a Philstar report.

The move follows President Marcos’ directive for government agencies to prepare for the worst-case effects of the looming phenomenon, which is expected to bring drought or very dry conditions to nearly all provinces.

Science Secretary Renato Solidum said all provinces could experience drought or very dry conditions by the end of March 2027, although the severity would depend on rainfall levels. Some areas may face more pronounced dry spells in the coming months.

DepEd is also considering suspending classes when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Angara raised the proposal during a Senate budget hearing in response to Sen. Bam Aquino’s concerns about public school preparedness, as more than 100 municipalities have declared a state of emergency due to the looming El Niño.

Angara said students should be sent home when temperatures reach the threshold, or even earlier, as extreme heat could trigger headaches and nosebleeds. He added that local government units generally have the authority to suspend classes, while school administrators may also order suspensions during emergencies.(MyTVCebu)