• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Oriental has also ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels of public and private schools in the province, effective April 3, until further notice, due to extreme heat caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
In Executive Order No. 24, Series of 2024, Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria disclosed that the declaration on suspension of face to face classes was requested by the Department of Education Division of Negros Oriental, through its head, Dr. Neri Ojastro, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students, teachers, and DepEd personnel.
Citing a report of the state weather bureau PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), Sagarbarria further said that the effects of El Niño phenomenon will persist until May.
Sagarbarria also encouraged all school heads to implement modular distance learning or alternative learning systems to ensure continuity of learning.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office also reported that the temperature in Negros Oriental has reached an average heat index of 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, significantly exceeding the normal range.
Because of the continuing heat wave, the suspension of face to face classes since April 1 in several local government units in Negros Occidental was also extended further.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez also extended the suspension of face-to-face classes in preschool, elementary, secondary and senior high school levels in highly urbanized Bacolod City until April 4.
Face-to-face classes in public and private schools were also suspended on Wednesday in the cities of Silay, Talisay, Himamaylan, San Carlos, as well as E.B. Magalona and Murcia, all in Negros Occidental.
The local governments of Bago City, Binalbagan, La Carlota City and Victorias City, are however leaving it to the discretion of supervisors and school heads, when it comes to suspending classes, amid the prevailing extremely high temperatures.*
