The Department of Education (DepEd) has strongly rejected a recent report circulating in Iloilo, which claimed that two teachers had died from heatstroke while teaching. In a statement released on Tuesday evening, DepEd clarified that there were no reported cases of teachers dying from heatstroke, as alleged in the report.
Official records from the Schools Division Office revealed that one teacher from Sta. Barbara passed away in February 2024 due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, while another teacher died in March 2024 due to an aneurysm. Importantly, both incidents occurred while the teachers were at home and not during class hours.
DepEd condemned the inaccuracies spread by XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo, describing their report as “highly inaccurate and misleading.” The education department expressed deep concern over the sensationalization of such tragic events at the expense of factual reporting, underscoring the importance of responsible journalism.
DepEd extended its condolences to the families of the deceased teachers and emphasized the critical need for accurate and truthful information dissemination, especially concerning sensitive matters like the loss of educators.
The incidents shed light on the challenges facing schools in the Philippines, particularly with the onset of the dry season intensified by the El Niño phenomenon and climate change. As a result, numerous schools have suspended in-person classes since April due to dangerously high temperatures.
Recognizing the risks posed by extreme weather conditions, DepEd has previously issued advisories granting school heads the authority to shift to remote learning when necessary. This proactive measure aims to prioritize the health and safety of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel amidst challenging environmental circumstances.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
— DepEd (@DepEd_PH) April 23, 2024
23 April 2024 – The Department of Education (DepEd) issues this statement in relation to a Facebook post of XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo, labeled as Breaking News with the narrative “2 Maestra patay sang na heatstroke samtang nagaklase” (2 teachers die due to… pic.twitter.com/3h1KYJeW0z
While the loss of any educator is deeply regrettable, it is crucial to prioritize factual reporting and refrain from spreading misinformation. DepEd remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability as it navigates the complexities of education delivery amidst evolving environmental challenges.