DepEd adopts 4H heat guidelines

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) divisions in Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City have begun implementing measures to protect learners from extreme heat as the El Niño phenomenon continues to affect the country.

In Mandaue City, the DepEd division has adopted the 4H guidelines — Hayo, Hinay, Hinga and Hinto — across schools to help them respond to varying heat index levels.

DepEd Mandaue Administrative Officer Dr. Edgar Espina said the division is implementing the measures in accordance with directives from the DepEd Central Office to ensure the safety and well-being of learners amid rising temperatures.

“We follow the guidelines sa DepEd Central Office, kining 4H, Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, Hinto,” Espina said.

Under the guidelines, “Hayo” (Manageable Conditions) applies when the heat index is below 27 degrees Celsius. Schools may continue regular face-to-face classes but must provide hydration breaks for learners.

“Hinay” (Caution), which applies when the heat index ranges from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, allows schools to shorten class hours or adjust schedules to cooler periods of the day.

Espina said schools in Mandaue implemented the Hinay guidelines in previous weeks, scheduling morning classes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and afternoon classes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Mao na atong gibuhat… aron landong ang mga bata,” Espina said.

He clarified that learners are given assignments to accomplish at home after the adjusted class hours.

Meanwhile, “Hinga” (Extreme Condition) applies when the heat index reaches 33 to 41 degrees Celsius. Under this classification, face-to-face classes are suspended, and learners are given home-based learning tasks.

Under “Hinto” (Danger and Extreme Danger), which applies when the heat index reaches 42 degrees Celsius and above, classes are suspended and no additional learning activities are assigned for learners to accomplish at home.

As of November, Mandaue schools have implemented the Hayo, Hinay and Hinga classifications, with the applicable measures varying according to each school's location and surrounding environment.

“Kani ang kasagaran nga na-implement nato sa Mandaue kay mostly dili man magkapareho ang temperatures sa mga schools,” Espina said.

He noted that schools in Barangays Cubacub, Casili and Jagobiao rarely need to adjust their schedules because of their cooler surroundings.

Espina said schools may implement different classifications even on the same day, as school heads are authorized to determine the appropriate response based on heat index readings recorded on their premises using a hygrometer.

The division also considers weather forecasts from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) when determining the measures to be implemented the following day.

School heads are responsible for deciding which classification to adopt and informing teachers, learners and parents at least a day before classes begin.

“Para dili sila ma-bother ug makaandam sad ang mga ginikanan,” Espina said.

Espina said a uniform arrangement across all schools is not feasible because heat index readings vary depending on their respective locations.

He added that the division has also encouraged teachers to ensure that classrooms are properly ventilated.

Despite the adjustments, Espina said the division remains committed to maintaining the quality of education while prioritizing learners' safety.

“Of course, ingon ani nga situation dili malikayan nga naa gyud mga ginagmay, but we are trying to cope up everything. As the Department of Education, atong gipaningkamotan,” Espina said, acknowledging that changes in class schedules may affect learners.

Lapu-Lapu City

The DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division is also coordinating with the local government to establish guidelines for suspending face-to-face classes during periods of extreme heat, including the implementation of the 4H guidelines.

During the eighth regular meeting of the Local School Board on November 9, 2026, board co-chair Dr. Marilyn Andales, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Lapu-Lapu City, presided over the meeting at the City Mayor's Office.

One of the major agenda items was the formulation of guidelines for suspending face-to-face classes during extreme heat, including coordination with schools and the development of appropriate metrics to guide decisions.

The board also discussed the 4H guidelines — Hayo, Hinay, Hinga and Hinto — which prescribe varying responses based on heat index readings in schools.

Mitigation measures and a risk assessment of school premises to be conducted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) were also discussed.

Nagiel Bañacia, assistant city administrator and CDRRMD officer-in-charge, presented the potential risks that extreme heat conditions under the Super El Niño could pose to students.

The DepEd also discussed Memorandum No. 064, series of 2026, titled “Anticipatory Action, Preparedness, and Protective Measures for the 2026-2027 Super El Niño.”

The discussion covered the memorandum's general policy, learning delivery arrangements, grounds for suspending classes and adjusting schedules, and the Education in Emergencies (EIE) category.- FPL (CEBU NEWS)