Bacolod, 9 other areas suspend classes due to extreme heat

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – At least 10 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental ordered the suspension of classes on March 11 and 12, due to extreme heat brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

In Bacolod, Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez cancelled the face-to-face classes in elementary and secondary levels in public and private schools and universities for two days, in response to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on high heat index as high as 41 and 40 degree Celsius, respectively.

In an executive order issued by Benitez yesterday, it was cited that extreme caution is recommended in temperatures 33 to 41 degrees Celsius, as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, and further continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.

Elementary and secondary levels are encouraged to adopt alternative delivery modes as methods of instruction for their students, the mayor said.

Benitez said the decision for the tertiary level is at the discretion of their respective colleges or university administrators.

In a press briefing on Monday, March 11, Benitez said that this is a precautionary measure to protect the safety and welfare of the students.

He said that this move was also in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).

On March 8, Benitez also issued an executive order suspending the classes at all levels both in public and private schools and universities due to a high heat index of 40 degrees forecasted by PAGASA.

This decision prioritizes the safety of our students and educators, he said.

Meanwhile, the cities of Silay, Talisay, Kabankalan, Himamaylan, and Bago, and the towns of Murcia, E.B. Magalona, Hinoba-an, and Hinigaran, also suspended the classes.

Classes in both public and private elementary and secondary schools in Kabankalan City and classes in all levels in Himamaylan City were only cancelled yesterday, while the remaining LGUs extended the suspension of classes until March 12.