Classes suspended in several areas due to extremely hot weather

Classes in several areas were suspended due to the high temperatures resulting from the hot weather.

According to a 24 Oras report by Maki Pulido on Tuesday, classes at all levels in Negros Occidental have been suspended since Monday in anticipation of a 41°C heat index in the area.

Classes from elementary to senior high school levels were also suspended in Bacolod City to protect the students, teachers and other staff from unrelenting heat that may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Meanwhile, state weather bureau PAGASA said that an average temperature of 37°C to 38°C with an average heat index of 40°C to 43°C may be expected in Metro Manila from March to May.

They also advised the public to stay away from direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“’Yan po nagpi-peak na temperature at damang temperature na nararamdaman ng ating katawan,” said PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Meliton Guzman.

(That’s the peak temperature and the temperature that our body feels.)

In preparation for the hot weather, a school in Metro Manila prepared cold water dispensers and working electric fan units, as well as suspension of outdoor activities.

“Pinapayagan po namin sila na hindi na mag uniform kung ‘di kaya, kasi [ang] uniform [ay] mainit. ‘Yang mga bata, uneasy na po sila. Halos ‘di mo na makuha attention nila kasi pinagpapawisan na maya’t- maya iinom, tapos iihi na sila,” said teacher Norma Tiboso.

(We allow our students not to wear uniforms because [the] uniform [might be too] hot [to wear]. The kids are already uneasy. You can barely catch their attention because they’re sweating and they keep drinking water, then they’ll have to go to the restroom.)

The Department of Education said that there is no set temperature threshold for class suspension and that school heads may implement alternative teaching modes should the heat interfere with the safety or comfort of the students.

“We put full trust in our school heads na they come up with very logical and wise decisions pagdating sa mga suspension na ganyan at hindi indiscriminate suspension lang,” said DEPED Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas.

(We put full trust in our school heads to come up with very logical and wise decisions when it comes to suspensions like these, and to not just implement indiscriminate suspensions.)

DEPED also said teachers are allowed to wear more comfortable clothing in lieu of regular uniforms, while students are advised to wear clothes that best beat the heat.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News