On April 28, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the suspension of all onsite classes in all public schools nationwide on April 29 and 30, due to the latest heat index forecast of the Phiippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the nationwide transport strike. Public schools will implement Asynchronous Classes/Distance Learning on the said dates.
Teachers and other non-teaching personnel are also not required to report onsite.
However, the suspension does not cover activities organized by Regional and Schools Division Offices. Private schools are also not covered by the suspension but will have the option to implement asynchronous/online classes as well.
Read here for the full announcement.
Previous class suspensions
The DepEd has also previously suspended face-to-face classes due to the dangerously high heat index forecasts, the last one from Thursday, April 11 to Friday, April 19.
The state weather bureau has reported that high heat indexes, exceeding 42 degrees Celsius, could lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure.
List of areas with suspended face-to-face classes (April 11 to 19):
Ilocos Region
Manaoag, Pangasinan – all levels until April 12 (both public and private)
Cagayan Valley
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya – preschool to high school, April 11 (both public and private)
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya - preschool to high school, April 11 (both public and private)
Central Luzon
Bulacan – all levels until April 13 (both public and private)
Laguna
University of the Philippines, Los Baños – remote and/or asynchronous learning modes for April
Bicol Region
Daraga, Albay – all levels until April 12 (both public and private)
Western Visayas
Iloilo City – all levels, April 11 (public)
Soccsksargen
Sarangani – all levels until April 19 (both public and private)
Tantangan, South Cotabato – afternoon classes in all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
Banga, South Cotabato – afternoon classes in all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
Polomolok, South Cotabato – afternoon classes in all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
Tupi, South Cotabato – afternoon classes in preschool to secondary level until April 12 (both public and private)
Tboli, South Cotabato – afternoon classes in all levels until April 12 (both public and private)
Sultan Kudarat – all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
DepEd’s response to heat
The Department of Education (DepEd) has previously authorized schools to switch to modular or online learning modes to mitigate health risks to students and teachers from the heat. This directive empowers school heads to suspend on-site classes if the heat index hits or exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, and even when the temperature becomes unbearably hot, without reaching the specified threshold.
Heat safety tips
We asked parents to share their strategies for helping children to cope with the heat. Some of the responses include:
- Use of portable cooling devices such as fans and cooling sprays.
- Staying hydrated.
- Wearing casual or lighter clothing.
- Applying and using sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas.
For more tips on protecting your family from extreme heat, consider reading the following resources.
- Know the Early Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Kids
- How To Care for Your Skin In the Intense Summer Heat
- Beat the Heat: How to Protect Your Baby from the Summer Heat
- Rashes, Heat Stroke At Iba Pa: 4 Medical Problems Dulot Ng Sobrang Init
Click here for recommended portable fans for kids.
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