BACOLOD City – Four local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have suspended classes in both public and private schools due to the extreme heat index forecasted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The LGUs affected include Bacolod City, Kabankalan City, Himamaylan City, and the municipality of E.B. Magalona.
The suspension of classes is a safety measure for students amid high temperature forecasts.
In Bacolod City, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez issued Executive Order (EO) No. 004, declaring the suspension of face-to-face classes for pre-school and senior high school levels yesterday and today, March 7.
In Himamaylan City, Mayor Raymund Tongson and Kabankalan City’s Mayor Benjie Miranda also issued EOs suspending classes for all levels in both public and private schools yesterday, March 6.
Himamaylan City implemented modular distance learning as an alternative.
E.B. Magalona’s local government issued an advisory for localized class suspension guidelines, with blended learning taking place yesterday.
In compliance with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Department Order No. 22, series of 2024, schools will continue to implement alternative learning methods such as modular distance learning, performance tasks, and make-up classes to ensure students meet the required competencies.
PAGASA’s La Granja Station had forecasted a high heat index of 40°C for Negros Occidental yesterday.
La Consolacion College-Bacolod also released an advisory, announcing the shift to asynchronous learning for all levels today, in accordance with EO No. 004. However, college-level classes that meet once a week will proceed as scheduled to ensure essential competencies are not missed.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have issued advisories citing the extreme heat expected in the coming days.
They warned specifically against heatstroke whose signs include a body temperature above 40°C, hot, dry skin, confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, loss of consciousness, and convulsion, all of which can escalate to more severe complications.
In addition to heatstroke and exhaustion, the DOH also cautioned against heat cramps and heat syncope. It recommends the following during a heat-related medical emergency:
* Move the patient to a shaded, cool area, or away from direct sunlight.
* Remove clothing that adds to the heat.
* Spray or splash the body with water.
* Use a fan or expose the person to airflow.
* If available, apply ice packs to the face, palms, and feet.
Immediately call for help and bring the patient to the nearest healthcare provider.
DOH further advised the public to observe the following:
* Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and if necessary, schedule them in the morning or late afternoon when the sun’s intensity has decreased.
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
* Use a hat or other protective covering to shield yourself from the intense sun.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and avoid dark-colored clothes./PN
