Caloocan, Quezon City suspend face-to-face classes in public schools on April 24, 2024

The local government of Caloocan announced a suspension of face-to-face classes for public schools on Wednesday due to the predicted 43°C heat index for Metro Manila.

According to a Facebook announcement by Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan, the Schools Division Office said that class suspensions for private schools still depend on their respective school administrations.

“Magpapatuloy na lamang [ang mga klase] sa pamamagitan ng asynchronous o blended learning ang lahat ng antas ng mga pampublikong paaralan sa lungsod bukas,” the statement read. 

([Classes] will continue through asynchronous or blended learning in all levels for public schools tomorrow)

The 42°C heat index forecast by Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction Office’s app IRISEUP.ph for the city on Wednesday also prompted the local government to suspend classes in public schools.

“Kapag and heat index ay umabot ng 40°C, otomatikong ipapatupad ang alternative delivery modes of learning (synchronous/asynchronous) sa mga pampublikong paaralan,” a Facebook post by the Quezon City Local Government on Tuesday read.

(When the heat index reaches 40°C, alternative delivery modes (synchronous/asynchronous) of learning are automatically implemented in public schools)

Several local governments also earlier announced a suspension of face-to-face classes due to the heat index.

According to PAGASA, heat indexes of 42°C to 51°C fall under the danger level and pose the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes.

The public is advised to limit outdoor activity during peak hours, consistently hydrate themselves, and wear fresh clothes to avoid heat-related illnesses. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News