Face-to-face classes suspended in 7,734 public schools –DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) said 7,734 of 47,678 public schools in the country have suspended in-person classes for Thursday amid the extreme hot weather.

Based on DepEd’s update, the concerned schools implemented alternative delivery modes.

Most of the affected schools were reported in Western Visayas with 1,613; followed by Central Luzon with 1,254; Bicol with 1,181; and Zamboanga with 666.

In the National Capital Region, 252 schools were affected.

The suspension of face-to-face classes came after state weather bureau PAGASA said that 39 areas in the country may experience a ‘danger level’ of heat index on Thursday.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

PAGASA said heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42 to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

School heads have the authority and discretion to suspend in-person classes and shift to alternative delivery modes in cases of extreme heat that poses health risks to students, teachers, and workers.

Regional directors and superintendents also have the authority to move class schedules to early morning or in the late afternoon due to the intolerable heat in some schools, according to DepEd.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said 67 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported among individuals aged 12 years old to 21 years old from January 1 to April 29.

In Ilocos, a 14-year-old student experienced difficulty breathing due to heat exhaustion –Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated NEWS