The Department of Education (DepEd) has just announced the implementation of asynchronous classes for all public schools nationwide next week, April 15 and 16, to provide ample time for students to complete their pending tasks.

ADVISORY ON ASYNCHRONOUS CLASSES

According to the agency’s advisory posted afternoon on April 12, the policy is put in place in order to “allow learners to complete pending assignments, projects, and other requirements.”

The announcement is also in relation to the fast-approaching conclusion of the school year slated on May 31, 2024, which was earlier announced via the agency’s Department Order 003 released last February 19, 2024.

The advisory also states that both teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools are not to be required to report to their stations.

DepEd’s caveat, however, mentions that Regional and Schools Divisions Office-organized activities are to push through as scheduled, “such as Regional Athletic Association Meets and other division or school level programs.”

Private schools, meanwhile, are not covered by the advisory, but are given leeway to enact the protocol, should they see the necessity to do so.

A similar policy was implemented by DepEd on April 8, Monday, based on an announcement posted on April 7.

CLASS SUSPENSIONS DUE TO EXTREME HEAT

Recently, schools nationwide have opted for the suspension of in-person classes due to unbearable heat brought about by the summer season, aggravated by the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

According to a news report by Joviland Rita of GMA Integrated News, a number of schools to the tune of 7,080 have suspended onsite schooling on Friday, April 12, due to “the threat of extreme hot weather.”

This number accounts for almost 15% of all schools nationwide (7,080 out of 47,678), mostly affecting those located in Central Luzon, as well as Central and Western Visayas.