With schools in other regions canceling face-to-face classes due to the extreme heat, a school in Mangaldan, Pangasinan continues with in-person learning but has implemented a no curtain policy to ensure proper ventilation in classrooms.

Aside from the no curtain policy, the Mangaldan National High School (MNHS) also suspended all outdoor activities. 

"Syempre, minsan kapag lalabas ka sobrang init, parang napapaso na ang katawan mo," Mica De Vera, a student, said.

The school is coordinating closely with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to stay updated on heat index reports. 

There are no class suspensions in schools across the region as of this writing, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 1.

"In accordance sa policy natin, just in case na mayroong pag-suspend ng klase ay ire-refer pa rin ito sa District Office then sa Schools Division Offices, at ipinapaalam din nila ito sa Regional Office," Cesar Bucsit, DepEd Region 1 Information Officer, said.

In Pasuquin, the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College added additional fans in classrooms to alleviate the heat.

"Kapag ganitong mainit, usually nahihilo sila [o] headache, kasi talagang mainit, at ‘yung pinakamalala pa naman ay nose bleed at dinadala nalang sa clinic at pinapa-ice pack na sila," Dr. Daphne Christy Rupisan-Labao, the school physician, said.

Earlier in March, the heat index in Dagupan City had ranged from 40 to 44 degrees Celsius, categorized as dangerous.

PAGASA has warned the public about the increasing heat index. Exposure to intense heat may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.