The local government of Mangaldan has suspended face-to-face classes in all public and private schools from March 12 to 13, 2025 due to the extreme heat index, which is expected to reach 44 to 45 degrees Celsius, according to PAGASA.

Some parents had already stopped sending their children to school due to the unbearable heat.

“Sa bahay na lang muna ang anak ko, sobrang init kasi. Mag-module na lang muna siya,” Analyn Selda, a parent whose child is in Grade 9, said.

Teachers continue to monitor students remotely to ensure learning continues.

“’Yung learner, ginagabayan namin sila. May mga GC (group chat) kami, doon kami naka-monitor,” Laarnie Bulosan, a teacher at Mangaldan National High School, said.

Some areas in the Ilocos Region have also suspended face-to-face classes due to the intense heat, while DepEd Region 1 remains in close coordination with school division offices to assess the situation.

According to PAGASA, the heat index may continue to rise in the coming days due to dry conditions.

“Ang earth surface kasi natin ay tuyo na, kaya ‘yung mainit na panahon nararanasan,” Engr. Jose Estrada Jr., Chief Meteorologist of PAGASA-Dagupan, said.

Meanwhile, the Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1 is monitoring cases closely of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

They urge the public to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.