Students of Pinyahan Elementary School, supervised by their respective teachers, attend 'Catch-up Fridays' classes and read storybooks inside their classrooms on January 12, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro on Tuesday urged government to build more classrooms and make sure there is adequate ventilation in schools. 

Castro made the call as schools over the country were forced to suspend in-person classes amid the extreme heat exacerbated by the ongoing El Niño season.

In-person classes in some regions suspended due to extreme heat

"The current heat index experienced by our students and teachers should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize the construction of additional classrooms and the improvement of ventilation systems in our schools," Castro said in a statement.

"It is unjust for our learners and educators to suffer in unbearable conditions that directly affect their health, well-being, and academic performance," she added.

More areas suspend in-person classes due to hot weather

Castro said the lack of adequate infrastructure not only affects the physical comfort of students and teachers but also infringes upon their right to quality education.

She urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and the government to allocate sufficient funds for the construction of new classrooms and the improvement of ventilation systems in schools nationwide.

"We cannot delay the provision of adequate infrastructure any longer. It is the responsibility of the government, particularly the DepEd, to prioritize the well-being and learning conditions of our students and teachers," Castro said.

"Investing in the construction of more classrooms and improving ventilation systems is an investment in the future of our nation," she added.

DepEd earlier said that schools could shift to alternative modes of learning if extreme heart prompts the suspension of face-to-face classes.

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