PAGASA monitors cloud clusters over Mindanao for potential LPA formation

Effects of 'amihan,' easterlies to prevail in Luzon, rest of the country

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Feb 5, 2025 11:40 AM

  

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday, Feb. 5, that it is closely monitoring cloud clusters over Mindanao for the potential formation of a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) as the northeast monsoon and easterlies continue to affect Luzon and the rest of the country.

(PAGASA / MANILA BULLETIN)

“Meron tayong mga cloud clusters na namamataan sa may silangan ng Mindanao, bagama’t mababa ang tiyansa na maging isa itong bagyo, mino-monitor natin ito ngayon for possible formation as a low-pressure area (Cloud clusters have been observed east of Mindanao, although the chances of it developing into a storm are low, it is currently being monitored for possible formation into a low-pressure area),” said PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja in a weather forecast.

Meanwhile, Estareja said the northeast monsoon or “amihan” and easterlies continue to affect Luzon and the rest of the country, bringing isolated rain showers and cloudy skies. “Asahan pa rin ang epekto ng malamig na northeast monsoon o hanging amihan na nakakaapekto sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon, medyo malakas na ito sa ngayon kaya’t aasahan din ang mga mahina at katamtamang pag-ulan (Expect the cold northeast monsoon or 'hanging amihan' to continue affecting most parts of Luzon, which is now stronger, so light to moderate rains are also expected),” he explained.

Estareja also mentioned that the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, are influencing the weather in Visayas and Mindanao.

In its daily weather forecast, PAGASA said that the northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies and rain to Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte.

Due to the "amihan," partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains are also expected in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. 

Caraga, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Davao Oriental will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.

Likewise, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected in the rest of the country, still due to the easterlies.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms or moderate to heavy rains.

DepEd sets November 27 as ‘Araw Ng Pagbasa’

Schools to prepare activities for the 2024 National Reading Month celebration.

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Nov 6, 2024 06:41 PM 

This year’s “Araw ng Pagbasa” (National Reading Day) is scheduled for November 27, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

(Courtesy of DepEd / file photo) 

The schedule is based on DepEd Order No. 09, series of 2024, or the Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities for School Year (SY) 2024-2025.

In previous years, the “Araw ng Pagbasa,” observed by public schools nationwide, served as the culminating activity for National Reading Month (NRM). 

NRM, a month-long event celebrated each November, is part of DepEd’s efforts to foster a reading culture and enhance literacy skills among Filipino youth.

Dennis Legaspi, Media Relations Chief from the Office of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, noted that the issuance of the 2024 NRM celebration guidelines is being finalized.

NRM celebration

While the DepEd Central Office has yet to release specific guidelines for this year’s NRM celebration, some DepEd Schools Division Offices have issued memoranda on the event. 

The Schools Division of Baybay City in Region 8, for example, issued guidelines on Oct. 28 for the 2024 National Reading Month celebration, Pambansang Buwan at Araw ng Pagbasa, as well as the 90th National Book Week.

A list of activities was recommended for the NRM celebration.

Schools were also reminded to adhere to policies that regulate learner and teacher participation in curricular and extracurricular activities to ensure “classes are not sacrificed and that learning recovery measures are fully implemented.”

The month-long activity includes the division’s initiatives to improve and enhance learners’ reading performance, aligned with the priorities of the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).

Among the suggested activities is a school-level National Reading Month kick-off where all school administrators and teachers can serve as “mystery readers” of a Filipino children’s storybook during the flag-raising ceremony.

Other proposed activities include book donation drives, peer-to-peer reading programs, setting up reading pantries where materials are accessible to all, “book talk” sessions where learners share their favorite books, read-a-thons, and poster-making activities during art classes. 

DepEd declared November as National Reading Month through DepEd Memorandum No. 244, series of 2011, signed by former DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro.

The memo also established “Araw ng Pagbasa,” during which elementary and secondary students from both public and private schools participate in storytelling sessions, reading list preparations, reader training, and a readership development program.

Schools and learning centers are encouraged to hold various activities for NRM, which may include a “reading camp” highlighting pupils' talents in communication arts through competitions and a “read-a-thon” to foster a reading culture among students and identify the most outstanding individual and team readers in public elementary schools.

During NRM, DepEd encourages schools and learning centers to implement the “Five Words a Week (FWAW) / A Paragraph a Day (APAD) / Library Hour a Week” programs. These programs encourage pupils to learn and master one word daily for five days a week and to read aloud one or two paragraphs each day before classes start, helping develop communication skills. 

Additionally, remedial reading programs are offered, with teachers or class advisers providing lessons to students at the frustration reading level.

Schools and learning centers may also implement activities such as “Big Brother / Big Sister / Kaklase Ko, Sagot Ko / Shared Reading,” where older students or independent readers mentor those at a struggling reading level. 

Another activity, Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), dedicates 15 to 20 minutes daily for reading books or other materials available in the school.

‘Dangerous’ heat indices recorded in 13 areas on Good Friday

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Mar 29, 2024 07:49 PM

  

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Heat indices in 13 areas reached the “danger” level on Friday, March 29, according to the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Actors reenact the poignant journey of Jesus to his crucifixion in Cebu City on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. (Juan Carlo de Vela)

The highest heat index of 47°C was recorded in Aparri, Cagayan as of 5 p.m.

Dangerous heat indices were also recorded by PAGASA at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (45°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (44°C); Ninoy Aquino International Airport station in Pasay City (43°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Alabat, Quezon (43°C); Roxas City, Capiz (43°C); Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (42°C); San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C); Mambusao, Capiz (42°C); and Catarman, Northern Samar (42°C).

Heat index is defined by PAGASA as the gauge of perceived heat, accounting for both the actual air temperature and relative humidity.

PAGASA noted that heat indices ranging from 43°C to 51°C are considered to be within the "dangerous" range.

In these heat indices, PAGASA noted that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. “Heat stroke is probable with continued exposure,” it added.

RELATED STORY: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/29/long-weekend-pagasa-warns-of-persistent-hot-humid-weather-ahead

DepEd tells students, personnel to ‘stay safe’ as smog prompts class suspension

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Sep 22, 2023 07:13 PM

  

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The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, Sept. 22, reiterated the importance of staying healthy and safe amid the presence of volcanic smog or “vog” in Metro Manila cities and other nearby provinces.

(MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN) 

“Stay safe, Ka-DepEd!,” the agency said in a Facebook post and shared important information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) on “vog.”

DepEd shared this important information from the PHIVOLCS-DOST regarding volcanic smog to serve as a guide in protecting the health and safety of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as their families. 

(Courtesy of DepEd Philippines / FB) 

 

#WalangPasok

Due to the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano, many areas have suspended classes.

In Batangas province, classes at all levels both in public and private schools were suspended in Alitagtag, Balayan, Calatagan, Lian, Lemery, Nasugbu, Mataasnakahoy, San Luis, Sta. Teresita, Taal, and Tanauan were suspended. In Tuy, classes in elementary, junior, and senior high schools in public and private schools were also suspended.

Classes at all levels, both public and private schools, in some areas in Cavite province were also suspended including Alfonso, Amadeo, Bacoor City, Cavite City, Carmona, Dasmariñas City, GEA (Bailen), GMA, Gen. Trias City, Imus City, Indang, Kawit, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Silang, Tagaytay City, Tanza, Ternate, and Trece Martires City.

In Laguna, classes at all levels, both public and private schools, were also suspended in Biñan, Cabuyao, Los Baños, and San Pedro,

Local governments in several Metro Manila cities also declared suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private schools, including Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, and San Juan. 

Afternoon classes were also suspended in Caloocan, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, Quezon City, Taguig, Pateros, and Makati.

As stated in DepEd Order No. 037 s. of 2022 or the “Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Power Interruptions, and Other Calamities,” schools may implement modular distance learning “in the event of canceled or suspended classes due to natural disasters, calamities, and human-induced hazards to ensure learning continuity and that learning competencies and objectives are met.”

Some universities and colleges also suspended classes due to poor air quality in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/22/some-he-is-suspend-classes-due-to-unhealthy-air-condition

In a statement, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the formation of haze or smog was due to “thermal inversion.”

Phivolcs also clarified the smog is not related to Taal Volcano's activity.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/22/metro-manila-smog-not-related-to-taal-volcano-s-activity

Related to this, the Department of Health (DOH) also issued a health advisory amid the presence of “vog” in the affected areas.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/21/stay-indoors-and-wear-masks-doh-issues-vog-safety-guidelines

DepEd eyes August 29 as the start of classes for School Year 2023-2024

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

  

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is eyeing Aug. 29 as the school opening date for public schools this incoming School Year (SY) 2023-2024.

(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)

“We are finalizing the DO [Department Order] now and we are looking at, probably, towards the end of August,” DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa told the Manila Bulletin in an interview on the sidelines of the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 26.

“We’re looking at August 29 (Tuesday) but everything is tentative until the Department Order is signed,” Poa said. Originally, DepEd is considering Aug. 28 as the start of classes but the date falls on a holiday in observance of the National Heroes’ Day. 

Poa said that the set of guidelines that DepEd is currently working on will be “omnibus” which will include the “Brigada Eskwela” and the school calendar for the new school year.

In the guidelines, Poa said that adjustments have been made particularly on the participation of teachers in activities such as the end-of-school-year rites.

DepEd, Poa said, has received concerns that some teachers were being asked to report to school before the graduation rites even if these are not included in the school calendar.

Classes for SY 2022-2023 opened on Aug. 22, 2022. DepEd data showed that over 28 million children went back to school two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

For the first three months, public schools were allowed adopted distance / blended learning aside from the five-day in-person classes.

On Nov. 2, 2023, DepEd implemented 100 percent face-to-face classes in all public schools.

Due to the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, face-to-face classes were not allowed in SY 2020-2021 and SY 2021-2022.

Instead, DepEd shifted to distance learning --- where students learned their lessons at home through multiple learning delivery modalities such as printed/offline modular; online; radio and television-based instruction; and blended learning or a combination of two delivery modes.

Group bats for a ‘more strategic approach’ to address extreme heat in schools

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Apr 23, 2023 06:48 PM

  

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While it recognized the move of the Department of Education (DepEd) reminding schools to shift to distance learning due to extreme heat, a group of teachers pushed for a “more strategic approach” that will address the concern of students and personnel who attend in-person classes during the hottest months of the year.

(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) issued a statement acknowledging the action taken by the DepEd in response to the constant cries of teachers and children to consider the extreme heat and suspend face-to-face classes.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/22/schools-may-suspend-classes-switch-to-distance-learning-during-extreme-climate-conditions-dep-ed

In the memorandum signed by DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas issued on April 20, the agency reiterated its policy "to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners' health and wellbeing at risk.”

However, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said that a “more strategic approach” is needed to address the issue.

For example, he mentioned lowering the class size to no more than 25 students. TDC also suggested the construction of “more stable classrooms designed for student comfort and provision of electric fans or even air -conditioning system.”

To implement such adjustments, he noted that “funds and policies” will have to be in place.

Reverting to the old school calendar

The DepEd’s reiteration of the policy came after some school children fainted in Laguna and Mindoro due to the extreme heat.

Before the implementation of distance learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, public schools held classes from June to March. They spend “summer” vacation from April to May.

With the resumption of in-person classes, groups of teachers and even parents called for DepEd to return to the old school calendar.

However, TDC pointed out that it will take at least four years to gradually return to the old school calendar where the months of April and May are designated as school breaks.

“For now the alternative methods that can be used are shortened teaching time and modular and online learning,” Basas, who is also a teacher in Caloocan City, said.

Basas also noted that returning to the old academic calendar “would require adjustments that could take years to implement, while the suffering of teachers and students is felt in real-time.”

Related to this, TDC reiterated that public school teachers “have the right to a two-month school break that could be compromised if DepEd immediately reverts to the old system.”

The group cited DepEd Order No. 34, s. 2022, which sets the August opening of the school calendar for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025 school years.

“We need to fix it and make sure that the welfare of our teachers is taken into account before implementing the return to the old school calendar,” Basas said.

Christmas break to start on Dec. 19; classes to resume on Jan. 4 — DepED

by Merlina Hernando-Malipot

The Christmas vacation in public schools nationwide will start next week, the Department of Education (DepED) on Friday, Dec. 16, announced.

DepEd / MB Visual Content Group

Citing DepED Order No. 34 s. of 2022 or the “School Calendar and Activities for School Year 2022-2023,” the department announced that the Christmas break in public schools will start on Dec. 19, 2022, until Jan. 3, 2023. 

Likewise, classes are scheduled to resume on Jan. 4, 2023.

The SY 2022-2023 officially started in public schools on Aug. 22. The current SY has 203 school days and will end on July 7, 2023.

For this SY, DepED said that remedial classes for public schools are also scheduled to start on July 17 and will end on Aug. 26, 2023.

DepED asks schools, offices to hold ‘simple yet meaningful’ Christmas parties

by Merlina Hernando-Malipot

The Department of Education (DepED) reminded schools and offices to ensure that Christmas parties will be held in a “simple yet meaningful” manner.

Photo from Unsplash

In DepED Order No. 52 series of 2022 signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte dated Nov. 2, the department issued guidelines for the celebration of Christmas within the DepED. 

DepED urged its community to “strive for a genuine celebration of hope, unity, and service for others” every Christmas season.

Given this, public schools as well as DepED Central and field offices were directed to ensure that celebrations related to Christmas should be “simple yet meaningful.”

This, DepED said, can be done by keeping in mind the “true spirit of the season” and the “austerity called for by the difficult economic times.”

Voluntary, practicable

In its latest issuance, DepED urged all concerned to ensure that all Christmas parties, themes, costumes, decorations, and exchange gifts remain voluntary.

“No learner or DepED personnel should be forced to contribute participate or use their money for the celebration,” the department said.

DepED also stressed that contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or kind, “should be strictly voluntary.”

Likewise, the department added that “no learner shall be excluded from joining the Christmas celebration by reason of their failure to give the voluntary contribution or absence of a prepared of a prepared gift.”

To help ensure that celebrations in schools and offices are “practicable,” DepEd said that “Christmas party themes should not result to expenses that will become a burden on parents, students and DepED personnel.”

Likewise, DepED enjoined schools and offices to use or recycle old Christmas decorations. The purchase of new decor was also discouraged. Furthermore, DepED said that no learner or personnel should be “required to make decors specifically for a party.” 

Christmas parties in schools, DepED added, may also be organized within class hours “so long as it does not interfere with the scheduled lesson plans intended to be taught to the students.”

DepED offices, however, were reminded that the conduct of Christmas get-togethers and other similar year-end activities “should not compromise the provision of departmental services.”

When it comes to gift-giving, DepED said that this should be “guided by the spirit and of sharing and should not lead to extravagant spending.”

DepED personnel were also reminded that solicitations, whether in cash or in-kind, are not allowed for Christmas parties or holiday celebrations.

The provisions of this order, DepED said, cover all that schools and offices in the country.

Schools Division Offices (SDOs) were also allowed to issue additional guidelines based on their local customs and traditions, subject to the issued guidelines.

For private schools, community learning centers, as well as state or local universities and colleges, DepED said that they may “choose to adopt the provisions” of the newly-issued order as a basis in the conduct of their own Christmas parties or celebration.