Some local governments are suspending face-to-face classes again Wednesday, Nov. 4, amid a forecasted heat index of 42° Celsius, classified by the state weather bureau as a dangerous level.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that a heat level of 42–51°C could cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat strokes probable under continued exposure.
The local governments that have so far announced the suspension of face-to-face classes on Wednesday are Victorias City, Himamaylan City, Talisay City, Binalbagan, Isabela, Cauayan and Hinigaran.
In Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya said it will be up to the Department of Education and each school whether to declare the cancellation of classes.
More than 56,000 learners stayed home and shifted to alternative delivery modes of learning Tuesday, Nov. 3, with the cancellation of face-to-face classes as the heat level hit 41°C.
Face-to-face classes on Tuesday were cancelled in schools in:
· Calatrava – selected schools
· Candoni
· Cauayan – selected schools
· E.B. Magalona
· Himamaylan
· Hinigaran
· Ilog
· Kabankalan
· La Castellana – selected schools
· Moises Padilla
· Pontevedra
· Pulupandan
· San Enrique
· Silay
· Valladolid – selected schools
There were 56,000 learners affected under the DepEd Negros Occidental Division alone by the high heat index Tuesday, so instead of face-to-face classes, they shifted to alternative delivery modes of learning, Arnold Arnaez, spokesperson for the division, said.
He said 19 school districts canceled face-to-face classes, nine districts had selected schools cancel classes, and three districts continued face-to-face classes.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised Negrenses to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.
Extreme heat can be more than just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone—especially children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, it said.
The common causes are prolonged sun exposure, exhausting activities in hot weather, high humidity, and dehydration from poor fluid intake, the PDRRMO said.
Watch out for symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness, fatigue, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting, it added.
The PDRRMO reminded the public to drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, wear light, breathable clothing, and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
If someone experiences severe symptoms, act fast: move them to a cool place, give them water, and seek medical help immediately, it added.*
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