‘Heatwave’ prompts extension of class suspensions

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod and neighboring areas in Negros Occidental have postponed face-to-face classes on April 3 and 4 amid soaring temperatures.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez disclosed the prolonged halt of in-person classes across pre-school, elementary, secondary, and senior high school levels due to a critical heat index of 40 degrees Celsius.

He continued to urge schools to embrace alternative instructional methods for the benefit of students.

Private institutions equipped with air-conditioned spaces, along with higher education establishments, retain the choice to proceed with regular classes.

Acting Mayor Ramon Torres of Bago City enacted Executive Order No. 26, granting educational leaders the authority to suspend face-to-face learning, shifting to blended or remote strategies as they deem necessary from April 3 to April 8, due to the risk posed by adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Mayor Neil Lizares of Talisay City has also announced an extension, moving to modular or online platforms in primary and secondary education levels starting April 3, in response to Pagasa Climatology Division’s warning of extreme heat levels.

While the decision for private schools with climate-controlled classrooms to hold face-to-face classes rests with school authorities, the administrations of Silay and E.B. Magalona are advocating for ongoing use of Alternative Delivery Modes, including modular and online learning.

The initial suspension, beginning April 1, was a response to the heatwave, but certain local government units have resumed classes after a brief intermission.