In response to recent class suspensions due to weather disturbances, the Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) is set to implement extended school hours and other educational interventions. Cyrille Gaye Miranda, the chief of DepEd-CAR’s Public Affairs Unit, announced that starting soon, school hours for students from Grades 4 to Senior High School will be extended until 5 p.m., while those in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will have classes until 4:30 p.m. This adjustment aims to compensate for the lost instructional time, which amounted to over 10 days in recent weeks.
DepEd-CAR is also exploring alternative learning methods such as online classes, particularly for older students, and the distribution of Learner Activity Sheets and modules. Additional support will be provided through group chats, home visits, and virtual classes where possible. Communication channels like text messages, social media, and phone calls will be utilized to keep students engaged and informed during suspension periods.
While no specific implementation dates have been set for these measures, DepEd-CAR is also considering using the upcoming semestral break, scheduled for November 25-29, 2025, to further address learning gaps. Regional Director Estela Cariño noted that remote learning is not new to the region, having been used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Cordillera region is also a pilot area for the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP), a new initiative designed to mitigate the impact of educational disruptions. Developed by the Central Visayas Institute Foundation, DLP features parallel classes, activity-based learning, student portfolios, and a reduced homework policy, all aimed at fostering deeper engagement and developing key skills such as writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.