A total of 123 schools in Western Visayas suspended in-person classes on Monday, April 7, due to the dangerously high heat index forecast in the region, in line with a recent directive from the Department of Education (DepEd) on class suspensions during extreme weather.
According to DepEd Western Visayas Regional Information Officer Hernani Escullar Jr., 56 schools in the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Himamaylan City, one school under SDO Iloilo, and 66 in SDO Iloilo City shifted to Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) to ensure learning continuity.
The decision follows a two-day forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which projected that heat index levels could exceed 40°C in Iloilo and Negros Occidental, placing students and teachers at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
DepEd reminds schools to monitor temperature and prioritize student safety.
The suspension of face-to-face classes was guided by DepEd Memorandum No. 017, s. 2024, which outlines protocols for halting classes and school operations during natural calamities and extreme weather—including intense heat.
The memo empowers local school authorities, in coordination with local government units, to suspend physical classes and adopt flexible learning methods when necessary.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas also issued Executive Order No. 024-A, mandating the automatic suspension of in-person classes from pre-school to senior high school whenever the city’s heat index reaches 41°C or higher.
The EO reinforces the city’s proactive stance in protecting students’ health amid the intensifying heat.
“In-person classes were suspended by the respective local authorities due to the anticipated extreme heat,” Escullar said. “Students will continue their lessons at home using printed modules, digital platforms, or other ADM options.”
DepEd further reminded school heads to monitor heat index readings daily—especially when they reach the “danger” level of 42°C and above—and to implement health and safety measures such as providing adequate hydration, limiting strenuous activities, and ensuring proper ventilation in classrooms that remain open.
With the dry season expected to peak in the coming weeks, more schools across the country may resort to temporary remote learning setups to avoid putting students at risk.
