DepEd reminds schools: Adjust learning activities based on actual risks

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday reminded schools to adjust learning activities during unsafe conditions based on actual risks and the safety of learners and personnel, rather than forcing regular academic activities.

DepEd issued the reminder as it activated its emergency measures amid heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon in various parts of Luzon.

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DepEd said the measures include the 4H protocol—Hinto (stop), Hinga (pause), Hinay (slow down), and Hayo (resume)—which guides decisions on learning delivery based on safety, learner readiness, available resources, and local conditions.

The policy aims to help schools respond to disruptions in ways that protect learners and teachers while keeping learning possible when conditions allow.

“When the rain is heavy, roads are flooded, or there are safety risks to learners and teachers, decisions cannot be one-size-fits-all. There needs to be a clear basis: Is it safe? Is it feasible? And what kind of learning support is appropriate? That is the purpose of the 4H framework—to guide schools on when to proceed, when to slow down, when to take a breather, and when it is necessary to temporarily stop,” Angara said.

Under the 4H framework, Hinto (stop) applies when conditions are unsafe or when learners’ safety, protection, or basic needs are at risk. At this level, schools temporarily stop academic activities so they and their communities can prioritize safety, emergency response, and essential support.

Meanwhile, Hinga (pause) applies when learners, teachers, and school personnel need time to recover from stress, disruption, or displacement. During this period, schools may conduct well-being checks, psychosocial support, and light asynchronous activities, but they should not require submissions or regular academic requirements.

Hinay (slow down), on the other hand, applies when there is disruption but learning can continue in an adjusted and teacher-supervised manner, while Hayo (resume) activates once conditions return to normal and regular learning can safely resume.

“During times like these, safety should always come first. There are situations when schools need to Hinto temporarily, when they need to Hinga to recover, when they can Hinay the pace through adjusted learning, and when they can Hayo once conditions return to normal,” Angara said.

“What matters is that we do not impose a one-size-fits-all response on learners, teachers, and communities facing different circumstances,” he added.

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DepEd also directed schools to coordinate with local government units, disaster risk reduction and management offices, as well as field offices, in determining the appropriate learning continuity level.

Schools were also ordered to update their Learning and Service Continuity Plans, maintain emergency communication channels with learners and parents, and ensure that academic requirements remain reasonable during weather-related disruptions.

The department said Regional Offices and Schools Division Offices shall continue providing technical assistance to schools, particularly in areas affected by heavy rains, flooding, landslides, and other hazards. /mcm