• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez yesterday suspended classes in all levels, both for public and private schools and universities, due to the extreme heat index forecasted by the state weather bureau.
Benitez said, as per the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s La Granja Station in La Carlota City, the heat index forecast will reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
In a statement, Benitez said his decision to suspend classes prioritizes the safety of students and educators.
He advised them to stay cool, hydrated and take necessary precautions.
According to PAGASA, Heat Index, sometimes referred to as the apparent temperature, is a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.
Extreme health was also experienced in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Mambusao and Roxas City in Capiz, Iloilo City, Dumangas town in Iloilo Province, based on PAGASA data.*
