CCC Proposes 6:00 AM–9:30 AM Classes as El Niño Threatens Extreme Heat

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has recommended adjusting school and government work schedules as part of preparations for the expected effects of El Niño in the Philippines.

CCC Commissioner Albert dela Cruz said schools may consider conducting classes earlier in the morning to reduce learners’ exposure to extreme heat, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.

During an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Dela Cruz suggested that local government units could include modified school schedules in the implementation of their respective climate change action plans.

Under the proposal, classes could begin as early as 6:00 a.m. and end at around 9:30 a.m., allowing students to return home before temperatures reach their peak.

Dela Cruz stressed that exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. should be minimized, especially as hotter conditions associated with El Niño may pose health risks to learners and other vulnerable individuals.

“The hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. should be avoided, so if possible, our students should attend classes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and then go home,” Dela Cruz said.

Part of Local Climate Preparations

The recommendation is intended to complement climate adaptation measures being undertaken by local governments as the country prepares for hotter and drier conditions.

Local climate action plans may include adjustments in school schedules, measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, improved access to drinking water, and other interventions designed to protect communities during periods of extreme heat.

Schools have increasingly faced concerns over high heat indices in recent years, particularly during the dry season, prompting authorities to adopt flexible learning arrangements and other measures when classroom conditions become unsafe.

Proposal, Not Yet a Nationwide Class Schedule

It is important to clarify that the suggested 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. class schedule remains a proposal or recommendation.

The statement does not automatically mean that all public and private schools nationwide will begin implementing the shortened morning schedule.

Any actual adjustment in class hours would still depend on official guidelines or directives from the Department of Education (DepEd), concerned local government units, school divisions, and other appropriate authorities.

For now, the CCC recommendation highlights the need for schools and government agencies to prepare early and consider flexible schedules as part of broader efforts to protect learners and personnel from the possible impacts of severe heat during El Niño.

Parents, teachers, and learners are advised to continue monitoring official announcements from DepEd, their respective local governments, and school authorities regarding possible changes in class schedules.