Ten local government units, including Bacolod City, have ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes on Friday, March 7, because of a forecasted extreme heat index of 40 degrees Celsius.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services that made the forecast said extreme caution must be taken.
It said exposure to the heat could cause cramps and heat exhaustion, and continuing activity could lead to a heat stroke.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez suspended face-to-face classes from pre-school to senior high school in both private and public schools in Bacolod City.
Officials of private schools that have air-conditioned rooms and tertiary institutions have the discretion to decide on whether to continue with face-to-face classes or not, he said.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools in Victorias City on Friday to ensure the safety of students.
He also ordered members of the Victorias Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to be on alert and immediately respond to the needs of the city’s constituents brought on by extreme heat.
Pulupandan, EB Magalona, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Silay City and Himamaylan City have also suspended face-to-face classes on Friday.
“We are under the La Niña phenomenon so the impact of the heat will not be as bad as last year during El Niño,” Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head, said.*