DepEd clarifies death of 2 teachers in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday clarified that the death of two Iloilo teachers was not caused by heatstroke while conducting classes as earlier reported by a local FM radio station.

In an official post released by the central office, the agency dismissed the report as inaccurate.

"This post is highly inaccurate and misleading. According to the Schools Division Office concerned, no teacher was reported to have died due to heatstroke," the statement said.

Citing official records, DepEd said one of the teachers died in February due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, while the other died of an aneurysm.

"In both instances, the teachers were reportedly at home. It is unfortunate that certain news outlets resort to sensationalizing the death of our teachers at the expense of true and factual reporting," it added.

In a follow-up interview on Wednesday, DepEd Western Visayas information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said that based on their record, the first cancellation of classes due to extreme heat happened on March 11, not in Iloilo but in Negros Occidental.

The deaths happened in early February and the middle of March when there was no extreme heat recorded in Panay Island.

He added the incidents happened several months ago and could have been reported to the regional office if indeed those happened while they were having classes, especially since the monitoring of schools was already intensified.

"Nonetheless, we condole with their bereaved families," Escullar said.

He also advised DepEd personnel and learners to immediately approach any personnel in their school for immediate and appropriate medical intervention if they are not feeling well.

Escullar said schools have capacitated personnel to administer first aid, and there are also nearby health facilities when there is a need for emergency care.

The regional office on April 22 also cascaded the memorandum from its central office on responding to heat stroke, measles, and pertussis.

As per the memorandum, in case of symptoms of heatstroke, the individual will be transferred to a shaded area with proper ventilation; remove clothing, especially the thick outer clothing; cool down the temperature by applying a cold compress, ice packs, cold water or cool cloth; stay hydrated; and contact medical personnel if needing emergency care. (PNA)