Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has ordered the cancellation of elementary and high school face-to-face classes in Bacolod City on Monday and Tuesday, March 11 and 12, in response to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecast of high heat levels that require extreme caution.
“In response to PAGASA’s forecast of a high heat index on March 11 and 12, face-to-face classes are suspended in both public and private schools and universities in elementary and secondary levels in Bacolod City,” the mayor announced on his Facebook page Sunday night.
“Elementary and secondary levels are encouraged to adopt alternative delivery modes as methods of instruction for their students, while the decision for the tertiary level is at the discretion of their respective college or university administrators,” he said.
The heat index on Monday will be 41 degrees Celsius and on Tuesday it will be 40 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said.
The mayor had also suspended classes on Friday last week because of a high heat index.
Indices from 36-41 degrees Celsius fall under Pagasa’s “extreme caution” ranking, as they could cause heat cramps, exhaustion or heat strokes.
A University of Saint La Salle advisory said face-to-face classes for its higher education unit will resume on Monday.
“In light of the high heat index forecasted by PAG-ASA, students are advised to stay hydrated and remain within the university campus,” the advisory said.
Meanwhile, in response to day care teacher Melonie Jarlega’s concerns raised through the “Isugid Kay Mayor” program, Benitez has addressed ongoing challenges faced by the Villagracia Day Care Center in Barangay Bata.
The center, facing health issues caused by a nearby construction, prompted the developer to commit to collaborative efforts with the barangay and the Bureau of Fire, ensuring constant road watering and relocating its entrance to reduce airborne dust, a press release from the Bacolod Public Information Office said.
Benitez visited the center and provided an air conditioner and a Smart TV to enhance the learning environment for students, it said.*