• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Several private schools in Bacolod City will shift to online classes today, March 7, following the directive of Mayor Alfredo Benitez suspending face-to-face classes on March 6 and 7, due to high heat index forecast.
The University of St. La Salle, in an advisory last night, said that in compliance with the directive issued by Benitez regarding the elevated heat index, face-to-face classes in the Basic Education Unit will be suspended on March 7.
“The Integrated School will conduct synchronous online classes via Zoom, utilizing the designated Homeroom Zoom Links (while) Liceo will have asynchronous classes due to PAASCU Faculty general assembly,” the USLS advisory added.
La Consolacion College Bacolod will also transition to asynchronous learning March 7.
“College-level classes that meet once a week will proceed as scheduled to ensure that students do not miss essential competencies,” the LCC-B advisory said. “We encourage everyone to take appropriate precautions to safeguard against the severe weather conditions.”
Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod likewise announced the suspension of classes, from pre-school to senior high school, starting afternoon of March 6 until today.
“To ensure continuity of learning, all affected classes will be conducted synchronously online via CSAB’s Learning Management System. Students are advised to check their LMS accounts for class schedules and further instructions from their teachers,” it added.
Benitez issued Executive Order 004-2025 past 10 a.m. March 6 suspending face-to-face classes, from pre-school to senior high school, both in public and private schools in Bacolod on March 6 and 7 due to extreme heat index forecasted by DOST-PAGASA.
He said that heat index forecast may reach as high as 40 and 41 degrees Celsius, so the suspension of classes is needed to ensure the safety and welfare of students in Bacolod.
“Private schools with air-conditioned rooms and tertiary (college level) institutions may exercise their discretion to continue with face-to-face classes,” Benitez said, adding that “private and public schools may shift to modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects or make-up classes to ensure that learning competencies are met.” | CGC
