• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Oriental ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels in public and private schools effective Wednesday (April 3) until further notice due to extreme heat caused by El Niño phenomenon.
In Executive Order 24, Series of 2024, Governor Manuel Sagarbarria said that the declaration for the suspension of face-to-face classes was requested by the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Negros Oriental, through its head Dr. Neri Ojastro, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, teachers and DepEd personnel.
Citing a report of the state weather bureau PAGASA, Sagarbarria said that the effects of El Niño phenomenon will persist until May this year.
He encouraged all school heads to implement modular distance learning or alternative learning system 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.
In Negros Occidental, suspension of face-to-face classes in several local government units have been extended beyond April 2 because of the continuing heat wave.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez extended the suspension of in-person classes in pre-school, elementary, secondary and senior high school levels until April 4.
Face-to-face classes in both public and private schools were also suspended on Wednesday in the cities of Silay, Talisay, Himamaylan, San Carlos as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Murcia, all in Negros Occidental.
The local governments of Bago City, La Carlota City, Victorias City and Binalbagan are leaving it to the discretion of supervisors and school heads to suspend classes amid extremely high temperatures.
In Silay City, Mayor Joedith Gallego extended the suspension of in-person classes in all levels until April 4, while face-to-face classes in San Carlos City are also suspended until April 5.
In Talisay City, Mayor Neil Lizares declared suspension of face-to-face classes and shifting to modular or online classes April 4 in pre-school, elementary, and senior high school, in both public and private schools.
However, the National Achievement Test (NAT) will go on and students are advised to take the exams as scheduled. | GB
