Over 800 schools in Western Visayas Region suspended face-to-face classes in all levels on April 1, 2024 because of the extremely hot weather.

At least 284 of these schools are located in seven towns in Negros Occidental, the most number in the region, based on updated data furnished by the Department of Education (DepEd) as of 3 p.m. on April 1.

Guimaras Province with its five towns posted 96 schools, while Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental came in on third spot with 91 schools. 

The other local government units are Bacolod City with 70, Iloilo City with 66, Himamaylan City with 62, Roxas City - 50, Bago City - 47, Silay City - 39, and Dumangas town in Iloilo Province with 35. 

Nearly 500,000 affected students shifted to the alternative delivery mode of learning.

Bacolod City, Roxas City in Capiz, and Iloilo City extended the temporary halting of face-to-face classes to April 2, 2024 that affects preschool to senior high school only.

Suspension of classes in higher learning institutions depends upon the discretion of the university or college.

The local government units of E.B. Magalona, Hinoba-an, and Talisay City in the Province of Negros Occidental have also suspended face-to-face classes until April 2, 2024.

DepEd has earlier stated that local chief executives and school heads may announce a suspension of face-to-face classes based on extreme weather conditions.