Private schools across the Philippines may now implement blended learning modalities to manage rising operational costs during the ongoing national energy emergency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced in a memorandum issued April 7, 2026.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 024, s. 2026 clarifies existing flexibility granted to private educational institutions under previous department orders, allowing schools to reduce energy consumption through modified learning delivery methods.
According to the memorandum, private schools may continue implementing either five days of in-person classes or adopt blended learning approaches without requiring prior approval from education authorities.
Blended Learning Framework Detailed
The DepEd defines blended learning as "a flexible approach to learning delivery that combines face-to-face classroom instruction, which remains the default modality, with remote learning."
Remote sessions may be conducted either synchronously or asynchronously, with or without digital technology. The memorandum includes guidance on implementation and provides a key stage-specific model for schools to follow.
Private schools adopting blended learning must report changes to their respective schools division offices (SDOs) at least five days before implementation. Reports must include modified class programs and concrete plans ensuring continued compliance with required learning standards.
Schools planning to deviate from the standard blended learning model must first secure approval from their regional office (RO), the memorandum states.
Response to National Energy Emergency
The flexibility measures respond to Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency earlier this year. The DepEd acknowledges the need for private education sectors to mitigate impacts of rising energy and operating costs.
The memorandum builds upon existing department orders dating back to 2022, including DepEd Order No. 044, s. 2022 and subsequent orders through DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2025, which established multi-year implementing guidelines for school calendars and activities.
Private schools are encouraged to explore diverse modalities for in-service training, Learning Action Cells, and professional development activities to minimize energy consumption.
Professional Development Modifications
Training programs may be conducted through online, asynchronous, or hybrid platforms to minimize physical travel and on-site energy use, according to the guidelines.
Schools must ensure professional development programs remain quality-assured and effectively address specific needs of teachers and school leaders, the memorandum emphasizes.
Consistent with Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114, which directs government agencies to adopt energy conservation protocols, private schools are encouraged to implement flexible work arrangements (FWA) for teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Such arrangements must ensure student learning and core school services remain uninterrupted, the DepEd specified.
Monitoring and Implementation Timeline
All regional offices and schools division offices are directed to monitor implementation of these modalities by private schools under their jurisdiction.
The flexibility measures will remain in effect only until the State of National Energy Emergency is officially lifted by the President, the memorandum states.
The memorandum takes effect immediately upon approval and issuance, with full implementation beginning 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Administrative Requirements and Contact Information
Certified copies of the memorandum will be registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the University of the Philippines Law Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
For additional information, schools and stakeholders may contact the Private Education Office at the Department of Education Central Office through email at private.education@deped.gov.ph.
The DepEd Complex is located at Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, with multiple contact numbers available for inquiries: 8633-7208, 8633-7228, 8632-1361, 8636-4876, and 8637-6209.
Previous Energy Conservation Measures
The latest memorandum follows DepEd Memorandum No. 018, s. 2026, which implemented energy conservation protocols and flexible work arrangements in the Department of Education pursuant to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114.
The circular directed all government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly adopt energy conservation protocols in response to the national energy emergency.
Secretary Angara's memorandum represents the department's latest effort to balance educational quality with practical considerations arising from the energy crisis affecting the Philippines.
Private schools have been given significant latitude in choosing their approach, with the department emphasizing that face-to-face classroom instruction remains the default modality despite the availability of blended learning options.
The memorandum addresses thousands of private elementary and secondary schools nationwide, providing them with tools to manage operational costs while maintaining educational standards during the ongoing energy emergency.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Department of Education