DepEd: Over 7,000 schools suspend face-to-face classes due to extreme heat

More than 7,000 schools in different parts of the country have suspended in-person classes and shifted to alternative delivery modes due to the threat of extreme hot weather on Friday.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), a total of 7,080 of the 47,678 schools in the country (14.8%) announced suspensions of face-to-face classes.

Most of the affected schools are in Central Luzon with 1,903, followed by Central Visayas with 870 and Western Visayas with 862.

In the National Capital Region, 311 schools suspended face-to-face classes.

In 2022, the DepEd issued Department Order 37, giving school heads the authority and discretion to suspend in-person classes and shift to alternative delivery modes in cases of extreme heat and other calamities that may compromise the health and safety of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.

Regional directors and superintendents also have the authority to move class schedules to early morning or in the late afternoon due to the intolerable heat in some schools.

Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte earlier said that there was no need for schools to implement make-up classes for the suspended face-to-face classes.

For Friday, state weather bureau PAGASA earlier forecasted that six areas in the country would experience a "danger" level heat index.

The following areas are expected to feel the highest heat index of up to 44°C:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 44°C
• Bacnotan, La Union: 43°C
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 42°C
• Aborlan, Palawan: 42°C
• Catarman, Northern Samar: 42°C
• Cotabato City: 42°C

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature, PAGASA said. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

In areas experiencing "danger" level heat index, which is from 42°C to 51°C, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, according to PAGASA. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, weak but fast pulses, a feeling of nausea, and vomiting.

Earlier, PAGASA said that the heat index in the country would reach its peak in April and May. — VDV, GMA Integrated News