Antique schools to observe 'window period' during closing ceremonies

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Public schools in Antique have instructions to observe the "window period," or the time in the day when it is not too hot, when holding moving-up or closing ceremonies.

Dr. Edward Baña, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique Curriculum and Teaching Division chief, said in an interview Wednesday that with the forthcoming moving-up and closing ceremonies for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels on May 29-31, schools could hold the ceremonies either early morning or in the afternoon when the heat is not extreme.

"The safety of the learners and their parents should be given due consideration," he said, adding it would be better if they held the ceremonies in an open area rather than indoor venues.

Baña added that wearing face masks is no longer mandatory during face-to-face ceremonies.

"Principal and school heads are already instructed to prepare the credentials of their learners before their closing ceremonies," he said.

For almost two months, schools in Antique shifted to the alternative delivery mode (ADM) or modular classes in the afternoon due to the high heat index.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office here said the heat index in Antique in March and April reached the dangerous level of 42°C. (PNA)