With extreme heat affecting students in makeshift classrooms, the Department of Education (DepEd) Pangasinan District 1 is adjusting class schedules to ensure a more comfortable learning environment.

At San Fabian West Central Elementary School, where building rehabilitation began in January 2025, five sections from Grades 5 and 6 have been relocated to temporary classrooms in the school’s covered court.

However, the lack of ventilation and limited number of electric fans have made learning difficult for over 150 students.

“Mahirap po kasi mainit, naka-open na lang po ‘yang mga bintana,” Aidan Carlo Echevarria, a Grade 6 pupil, said.

To ease the situation, DepEd plans to shift face-to-face classes to mornings and conduct modular learning in the afternoon.

If the heat becomes unbearable, officials may suspend in-person classes.

“Sinabihan na natin ang mga teacher na kapag mainit na, sabihin na nila sa mga heads nila,” Herminio Serraon Jr., Supervisor of San Fabian 1st District, said.

Meanwhile, other schools like Malabago Elementary School in Mangaldan have added more electric fans and ensured access to drinking water to help students stay cool.

“Lahat ng classroom may mga available na rin na tubig para may mainom ang mga bata,” Joel Embuido, Assistant SDRRM Coordinator of Malabago Elementary School, said.

DepEd Region 1 assured all school heads have clear guidelines on heat index-related policies to protect students' health and well-being.