The municipal government of New Bataan in Davao de Oro yesterday suspended in-person classes at all levels, both in public and private schools due to intense heat.
DAVAO CITY , Philippines — While the southwest monsoon has been dumping rains over Luzon including Metro Manila, some areas in Mindanao are experiencing intense heat, prompting local government units to cancel classes.
The municipal government of New Bataan in Davao de Oro yesterday suspended in-person classes at all levels, both in public and private schools due to intense heat.
Aside from New Bataan, classes in public schools in Cagayan de Oro City and several towns and cities in Misamis Oriental were suspended starting yesterday for the same reason.
New Bataan Mayor Bianca Brua said the town logged a heat index of 40 degrees Celsius, which is expected to persist until today.
“I am worried that the intense heat may cause untoward incidents, especially to students,” Brua said.
While classes shifted to blended learning modality, teaching and non-teaching personnel were required to report to school.
In-person classes for the night schedule in colleges and universities will continue, authorities said.
The public has been advised to stay indoors, bring umbrellas and other protection against the heat when going out and drink plenty of water.
Meanwhile, the class suspension in Misamis Oriental was based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, which showed that a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius or danger level heat index would persist for two days.
The danger level heat index was recorded at the Laguindingan Airport.
The forecast prompted Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy to suspend classes from pre-school to senior high school in all public schools from Thursday to Friday.
Class suspensions in private schools as well as in higher educational institutions were left to the discretion of school heads and administrators.
The suspension intends to protect students from risks posed by prolonged exposure to extreme heat.– Gerry Lee Gorit