Senator Bam Aquino has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to prepare schools for possible water shortages and extreme heat as El Niño is expected to intensify in the coming months.
During the agency’s 2027 budget briefing, Aquino warned that a lack of water could affect students’ access to drinking water and compromise sanitation in schools.
“Iyong tubig mas magiging mahirap in a few months. I know there are already a hundred plus municipalities who have declared an emergency because of El Niño. Are our schools prepared?” Aquino asked.
The senator specifically raised concerns about the availability of water for toilets, school canteens and students who need to stay hydrated during hot weather.
“I just want to flag the lack of water for the CR, for the canteen, drinking water, for hydration. Naka-budget na ba itong El Niño preparation natin for the schools?” he said.
Aquino asked Education Secretary Sonny Angara to issue a memorandum to school heads and teachers on preparing for water shortages, including storing water in buckets and containers for sanitation.
The senator also pointed out that buying drinking water could add to schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses.
Angara assured the senator that classes could be suspended when temperatures reach dangerous levels. He said local governments generally decide on class suspensions, but school officials may also suspend classes during emergencies under existing guidelines.
Aquino earlier called on Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian to reconvene the Senate’s PROTECT Committee to coordinate preparations for the possible effects of “Super El Niño” on education, agriculture, health, food security and other essential services.IMT
