The Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol has recommended the suspension of in-person classes amidst scorching weather conditions.

"Ang mga maestra, mga school officials allowed na mag adopt nin hybrid o kaya ning iba’t-ibang alternatibong paagi ning pagtukdo mapadagos lang ang pagklase kan satuyang mga aki," Gilbert Sadsad, Regional Director of DepEd Bicol, said.

Based on DepEd Order Number 37 Series of 2022, school heads have the authority to suspend in-person classes and shift to alternative delivery modules in cases of inclement weather or extreme temperatures.

Because of extreme heat, several students of a school in Pili, Camarines Sur chose not to wear their uniforms but more comfortable clothing, instead. 

"Ang uniform baga minsan medyo mainit kaya po kung sain kami komportable ngunyan iyo na piggagamit ninda pero igwa pa man pong naka uniform," Romeo Delos Santos, Principal I of Agaton Rodriguez Elementary School, said.

To mitigate the discomfort caused by the hot weather, water is provided to students for hydration.

The school is also preparing to reproduce learning modules in case face-to-face classes are suspended.

But the recommendation to suspend in-person classes drew mixed reactions. 

Teacher Marivic Sarsaba supports it as classrooms are no longer conducive for learning. Her classroom, for one, only has two electric fans. 

"Yes po kasi ang mga bata ay uneasy kapag mainit, katulad namin ang electric fan eh dadalawa lang," she said.

A parent, Aillyn Pajo, also supports the suspension.

“Siguro pwede man kasi ma-summer naman na eh, mainiton," she said.

But another parent, Esteneli Miraflor, does not agree because children reportedly cannot focus when they are at home and choose to play, instead. 

"Pag nasa harong dae man masusunod ang module ninda pakatapos ang mga aki sige man sanang karawat," she said.

DepEd Bicol’s recommendation came as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported a heat index of 41°C in Camarines Sur, categorized as extreme caution by authorities.

The heat index or perceived temperature is affected by both temperature and water vapor in the air.

According to PAGASA, above-normal temperatures may persist until June 2024.