The Department of Education (DepEd) has decided to defer plans to install air conditioners in public schools due to financial limitations and is exploring other solutions to address the extreme heat in classrooms.
DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa made the announcement in response to calls from Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Federation president Willy Rodriguez to install air-conditioned classrooms in public schools to alleviate disruptions caused by high temperatures.
"Ang solusyon diyan, magkaron tayo ng air-conditioned classroom for public schools. Kung makikita niyo, walang reklamo ang ating mga private schools. Napakadali gumawa ng aircon kung tutuusin," Rodriguez said.
In response, Poa acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the Education Department but highlighted that classes could still continue despite the warm weather through alternative delivery modes.
"Of course, we have fiscal restrictions sa budget. Napakarami pa, hindi lang aircon ang problema natin, napakarami pa nating mga dapat paggastusan sa ating mga classrooms," the spox said.
The DepEd had previously reminded all private and public school heads that they can suspend face-to-person classes and implement modular distance learning amid the extreme heat and threats of power outages during this Summer season.
