Beat the heat: Schools may tap operating funds for electric fans

National

SCHOOLS may dip into their operating budgets to buy electric fans as the government prepares for extreme heat, possible water supply pressures and electricity shortages linked to a looming super El Niño.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said schools could use part of their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for the purchases, with the Department of Education (DepEd) also considering additional funding.

“They can use part of their MOOE to spend on electric fans and at the same time we can download (additional funds). It’s not that much, P2,000 depending on the model,” Angara said in a Philstar report.

Angara also met with Maynilad Water Inc. officials, who committed to maintaining uninterrupted water supply to schools during El Niño. He said school authorities must inform local government units if classes are suspended because of extreme heat.

Under DepEd Memorandum 64, Series of 2026, physical classes must be suspended when temperatures reach 33 to 41 degrees Celsius, with learners shifting to lighter home-based activities. All physical and home-based academic activities must stop when temperatures reach 42 degrees Celsius. School heads may shorten class hours or adopt flexible learning arrangements at 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, while regular face-to-face classes may continue below 27 degrees with hydration breaks.

Meanwhile, Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. urged the public against hoarding drinking water, saying supplies remain adequate.

Speaking at the Handa Pilipinas Luzon Leg in Clark, Pampanga, he encouraged households to collect rainwater for cleaning and watering plants.

“No need to hoard water,” Solidum said in the same article, adding that there was no current supply issue.

Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main water source, remains about a meter below its normal operating level of 210 meters. Maynilad and Manila Water have also assured consumers that interruptions are not expected.

Solidum stressed the importance of hydration as the heat index could exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

The very strong El Niño is expected to intensify toward year-end and last through the first half of 2027.(MyTVCebu)