MANILA, Philippines – Several local government units (LGUs) have suspended face-to-face classes on Thursday, April 4, 2024, due to the anticipated high heat index exceeding 40°C.
The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier said that some schools are implementing alternative delivery mode, including online and modular methods amid the suspension of classes.
“All on alternative delivery mode. Only Face to face is suspended,” DepEd Asec. Francis Bringas told reporters.
Based on the PAGASA’s latest recorded heat index, a total of seven areas recorded indexes classified as “danger category” on Wednesday. This includes Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Sangley Point in Cavite, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Dumangas in Iloilo, Catarman in Northern Samar, Zamboanga City in Zamboanga del Sur and Cotabato City in Maguindanao.
Here's the list of class suspensions for Thursday, April 4, 2024:
CENTRAL LUZON
- Bulacan – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 6
- Angeles City, Pampanga – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private)
- Mabalacat, Pampanga – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private)
- San Fernando, Pampanga – face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school (public); until April 5
- Bamban, Tarlac – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private)
ILOCOS REGION
- Alaminos City, Pangasinan – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private)
- Manaoag, Pangasinan – face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school (public and private)
- Mangaldan, Pangasinan – face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school (public and private); starting April 4 until further notice
- Santa Barbara, Pangasinan – face-to-face classes for preschool to senior high school (public and private); until April 5
- Urbiztondo, Pangasinan – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private)
VISAYAS
- Hamtic, Belison, Tobias Fornier and San Remigio (Antique) – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 5; shift to modular distance learning
- Bacolod City – face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school; private schools with air-conditioned rooms and tertiary-level institutions may exercise their discretion to continue with face-to-face classes
- Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school (public); until April 12
- Liloan, Cebu – face-to-face classes, all levels (public); until April 12
- Minglanilla, Cebu – face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school (public and private); until lifted
- Naga City, Cebu– face-to-face classes, all levels (public); until April 14
- Talisay City, Cebu – face-to-face classes, all levels (public); until April 14
- Iloilo – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private)
- Negros Oriental – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until lifted
MINDANAO
- General Santos City – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 5
- Isabela City, Basilan – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 5
- Sarangani – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 19
- Banga, South Cotabato – afternoon face-to-face classes, primary to secondary (public and private); until April 15
- Santo Niño, South Cotabato – afternoon face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 8
- Tantangan, South Cotabato – afternoon face-to-face classes, all levels; until April 15
- T'boli, South Cotabato – afternoon face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); until April 12
- Norala, South Cotabato – face-to-face classes, all levels (public and private); every Tuesday and Thursday until April 12
- Sultan Kudarat – face-to-face classes, all levels; until April 15
Based on the Department of Education Order No. 37 series of 2022, private schools have full discretion to decide on their class suspensions provided that they have proper facilities to accommodate onsite classes during extreme heat conditions.
LGUs advised the public to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and take necessary precautions to avoid heat emergencies.
Note: This is a developing story. Refresh page for updates.
— The Summit Express
