Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Sunday declared the suspension of face-to-face pre-school, elementary, secondary and senior high school classes in Bacolod City on Monday and Tuesday, April 1 and 2, citing the state weather bureau’s extreme heat forecast.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecasted the heat index in Negros Occidental on Monday to reach 41 degrees Celsius and on Tuesday to hit 42 degrees Celsius – both classified under extreme caution levels.
“Pre-school, elementary, secondary and senior high levels are once again encouraged to adopt alternative delivery modes for instructional methods to benefit their students,” Benitez said in a Facebook post.
However, private schools with air-conditioned rooms and tertiary-level institutions may exercise their discretion to continue with face-to-face classes, he said.
EB MAGALONA
Mayor Marvin Malacon also ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, Monday and Tuesday, because of the extreme heat forecast.
Malacon directed the Department of Education in EB Magalona to shift to Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) of learning such as modular classes and online classes.
In case of suspension of in-person classes due to intense heat, the Department of Education has prior instructions to elementary and secondary schools to shift to Alternative Delivery Modes of learning.
Malacon also advised the public to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses due to a heat wave.
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, stay indoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, and wear light clothing, he said.
KABANKALAN CITY
Mayor Benjie Miranda also issued an executive order suspending classes at all levels in Kabankalan City on Monday.
SILAY CITY
Mayor Joedith Gallego has suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools in Silay City on Monday and Tuesday.
He has instead ordered a shift to modular or online classes in Silay City.
TALISAY CITY
Mayor Neil Lizares has also ordered the suspension of face to face classes and a shifting to modular or online classes in the preschool, elementary up to senior high school levels in public and private schools in Talisay City on Monday and Tuesday.
For private schools with fully air-conditioned classrooms, face-to-face classes are upon the discretion of their officials, he said.
ILOILO CITY
Mayor Jerry Treñas also suspended face-to-face classes in Iloilo City on Monday and Tuesday with the heat wave index there forecasted at 41 degrees celcius.*
Unless his executive order is extended, classes shall resume on Tuesday, Miranda said.