MANILA, Philippines – Some local government units have announced the suspension of face-to-face classes for Thursday, March 13, 2025, due to the expected high temperature.
The heat index, also known as the "feels-like" temperature, is calculated based on the air temperature and the relative humidity, reflecting the temperature the human body actually perceives.
Risks linked to a high heat index include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and, in extreme cases, heat stroke.
Meanwhile, PAGASA expects temperatures in Metro Manila to hit 38°C in Quezon City and 40°C in Pasay on Thursday.
Starting March 3, several LGUs decided to cancel classes as the country shifts toward the dry season, with the northeast monsoon, or 'amihan,' is about to end.
Most of the local officials recommended that schools shift to distance learning modalities, such as asynchronous, synchronous, or online learning.This list will be updated as announcements are made by local or national authorities.
Central Luzon
- Santa Maria, Bulacan – all levels, public and private; face-to-face classes at 6:00 am to 11:00 am only, shift to asynchronous or online classes at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm; until March 14
Ilocos Region
- Bayambang, Pangasinan – preschool to senior high school, public; face-to-face classes in the morning only, shift to asynchronous or online classes in the afternoon; until April 15
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private
- Malasiqui, Pangasinan – all levels, public; face-to-face classes at 7:00 am to 11:00 am only, shift to asynchronous or online classes in the afternoon; until March 14
- Manaoag, Pangasinan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private
- Mangaldan, Pangasinan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative mode of learning
- Mapandan, Pangasinan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public; shift to modular distance learning
- San Carlos City, Pangasinan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private
- San Jacinto, Pangasinan – all levels, public; face-to-face classes at 7:00 am to 11:00 am only, shift to modular distance learning in the afternoon
- San Fabian, Pangasinan – all levels, public; face-to-face classes at 7:00 am to 11:00 am only, shift to asynchronous or online classes in the afternoon; until March 14
- Santa Barbara, Pangasinan – preschool to senior high school, public; face-to-face classes in the morning only, shift to asynchronous or online classes in the afternoon; until March 14
- Urdaneta City, Pangasinan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; until March 14
Mimaropa
- Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private
Executive Order or Ordinance for Automatic Class Suspension
At least two local authorities in Metro Manila issued Executive Order or Ordinance for the automatic class suspension if ever heat index reaches 42°C or higher, based on data provided by PAGASA.
Marikina City – Based on newly released Executive Order No. 05 series 2025, face-to-face classes at all levels in both public and private schools are automatically suspended when heat index reaches 42°C or higher. Institutions shall shift to alternative modes of delivery, including distance learning modalities, synchronous or asynchronous.
Valenzuela City – Based on City Ordinance No. 1175, Series of 2024, in-person classes are suspended for heat index of 42°C and up. Classes to shift to online synchronous or asynchronous classes.
According to PAGASA's latest heat index forecast, the heat index at the following synoptic station/s is expected to reach the "danger" range of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius on Thursday, March 13, 2025:
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan - 44°C
- Virac, Catanduanes - 42°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao - 42°C
