The Department of Education (DepEd) Pangasinan II Schools Division has reverted to modular distance learning to protect learners and school personnel from the ongoing severe heat.

In a memorandum obtained by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday, Schools Division Superintendent Lorna Bugayong said the shift from in-person to modular distance learning mode is being implemented from April 24 to 29 in consideration of the well-being of the learners affected by extreme climate conditions as they attend in-person classes.

“The summer heat has been bringing inconveniences and risks to both the learners and the teachers the past weeks and with the affirmation of the weather bureau that warmer temperatures are expected as the warm and dry season begins, there is a felt need to protect the well-being of the learners and the teachers from the extremely high temperatures,” she said.

The heat index in the province reached 43 degrees Celsius or under the danger category on Monday.

She said the implementation of the new mode of learning was based on DepEd Order 037 which provides for the implementation of modular distance learning in the event of canceled or suspended classes due to natural disasters, calamities, and human-induced hazards to ensure learning continuity and that learning competencies and objectives are met.

All public school heads under Pangasinan II Schools Division are directed to implement modular learning and communicate it properly to the parents and the community while private school heads are enjoined to exercise their discretion about the memorandum.

“Teachers are expected to prepare their week-long home learning plan. The issuance of modules shall be on Monday and retrieval on Friday,” Bugayong said. (PNA)