Education Secretary Sonny Angara has authorized private educational institutions nationwide to adopt flexible learning modalities as a cost-saving measure during the current national energy emergency, according to a department memorandum released April 7, 2026.
The directive, contained in Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 024, s. 2026, reinforces existing provisions that permit private schools to modify their instructional delivery methods to address escalating energy expenses without compromising educational quality.
Under the new guidelines, private educational institutions may maintain traditional five-day face-to-face instruction or transition to blended learning formats without seeking preliminary authorization from education officials.
Implementation Requirements and Reporting
Private institutions choosing to implement blended learning arrangements must notify their corresponding schools division offices (SDOs) no fewer than five days prior to launching modified programs. These notifications must contain updated class schedules and detailed strategies demonstrating continued adherence to mandated learning benchmarks.
Schools seeking to implement learning models that deviate from standard blended approaches must obtain prior authorization from their respective regional offices (ROs), the memorandum specifies.
The DepEd characterizes 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 Learning Components
Remote instruction components may utilize synchronous or asynchronous delivery methods, with or without digital technology integration. The memorandum provides comprehensive implementation guidance and stage-specific models for institutional reference.
The flexibility initiative directly addresses Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, which established a State of National Energy Emergency earlier this year. The education department recognizes private schools' need to address mounting energy and operational expenses.
These measures expand upon existing department directives issued since 2022, including DepEd Order No. 044, s. 2022 and subsequent regulations through DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2025, which created multi-year implementation frameworks for academic calendars and school activities.
Professional Development Adaptations
The memorandum encourages private schools to utilize varied delivery methods for staff training, Learning Action Cells, and professional development initiatives to reduce energy consumption.
Training sessions may be delivered through online, asynchronous, or hybrid formats to decrease physical travel requirements and facility energy usage, according to the guidelines.
Educational institutions must maintain quality-assured professional development programs that effectively meet the specific requirements of educators and administrative leaders, the memorandum states.
Aligning with Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114, which mandates government agencies to implement energy conservation measures, private schools are urged to establish flexible work arrangements (FWA) for both teaching and administrative staff.
Service Continuity Requirements
Any flexible arrangements must guarantee uninterrupted student learning and essential school operations, the DepEd emphasized.
Regional offices and schools division offices receive instructions to oversee the implementation of these alternative modalities by private institutions within their respective areas of responsibility.
The emergency flexibility provisions will remain active exclusively during the duration of the State of National Energy Emergency, terminating once the President officially declares its conclusion.
Effective Dates and Registration
The memorandum becomes operational immediately upon approval and issuance, with complete implementation commencing 15 days following publication in the Official Gazette or a nationally circulated newspaper.
Certified memorandum copies will undergo registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the University of the Philippines Law Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Educational institutions and stakeholders may obtain additional information by contacting the Private Education Office at the Department of Education Central Office via email at private.education@deped.gov.ph.
Contact Information and Support
The DepEd Complex, situated at Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, provides multiple contact channels for inquiries: 8633-7208, 8633-7228, 8632-1361, 8636-4876, and 8637-6209.
This latest directive follows DepEd Memorandum No. 018, s. 2026, which established energy conservation protocols and flexible work arrangements within the Department of Education in compliance with Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114.
The presidential circular mandated all government agencies and instrumentalities to rigorously implement energy conservation protocols responding to the national energy emergency.
Secretary Angara's memorandum represents the department's most recent initiative to maintain educational excellence while addressing practical challenges stemming from the Philippines' ongoing energy crisis.
Private educational institutions receive considerable discretion in selecting their preferred approaches, with the department maintaining that face-to-face classroom instruction continues as the primary modality despite blended learning availability.
The directive impacts thousands of private elementary and secondary institutions across the nation, equipping them with mechanisms to control operational expenses while preserving educational standards throughout the continuing energy emergency.