ILOILO – School heads have the authority to suspend classes if weather conditions become oppressive and not anymore conducive for learning.
The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo Province has reiterated guidelines regarding the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools due to unfavorable weather conditions, following reports from schools across the province of classrooms being unsuitable for use amid the intense heat.
Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr., acting Schools Division Superintendent, issued Division Memorandum No. 097, Series of 2024 on March 13, to re-emphasize these guidelines.
The decision was influenced by the current hot weather conditions brought about by the El Niño phenomenon and the onset of the hot and dry season or summer, according to Leonil Salvilla, the designated information officer for the SDO-Iloilo province.
Several public schools reported some classrooms being inhospitable for students.
So far, one school in the municipality of Dumangas has suspended classes due to the extreme heat.
The memorandum by Servillon highlights the importance of ensuring the welfare, safety, and security of learners and personnel by reinforcing DepEd Order No. 37, Series of 2022, titled “Guidelines on the Cancellation of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Interruptions, and other Calamities.”
Additionally, it reminds school heads of their authority and responsibility to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in situations of unfavorable weather and environment, as per Memorandum OASOPS No. 2023-077 and Rule VI, Section 6.1 of DepEd Order No. 1, Series of 2023.
This is especially critical when extremely high temperatures could adversely affect classroom learning and jeopardize learners’ health and well-being.
The memorandum also outlines the implementation of modular distance learning, where school heads are tasked with ensuring the readiness and completeness of learning resources for distribution to learners and monitoring the utilization of these materials through homeroom advisers and subject teachers.
Additionally, intensive catch-up classes or intervention activities are to be conducted once classes resume normal operation.
Salvilla added that school heads are authorized to decide on the suspension or cancellation of classes depending on the situation in their area, with the local government unit (LGU) through their local chief executive (LCE) also having the authority to declare such measures.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned the public about the heat index levels across Western Visayas, which have entered the “extreme caution” category.
Under this classification, temperatures people are experiencing can lead to health issues such as discomfort, heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.
On March 7, at various times throughout the afternoon, the heat index values recorded by PAGASA-Iloilo ranged from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius.
The following day, at noon, a heat index of 35 degrees Celsius was recorded.
On March 6, a peak heat index of 41 degrees Celsius was observed at 2 p.m.
However, the highest heat index recorded by PAGASA-Iloilo this year was on January 5, when it reached 42 degrees Celsius.
Engr. Ferdinand Rubin Jr., a weather specialist at PAGASA-Iloilo, said that based on annual records the hottest part of the day typically occurs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During such times, the heat is considered to fall within the extreme caution category. Should temperatures rise to 40 degrees Celsius or above, they would be deemed dangerous or hazardous./PN
