If heat index surpasses 44 Celsius: DepEd-7 to shift classes to blended learning

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) is closely monitoring the region’s rising heat index and has issued precautionary measures to protect learners and educators from extreme heat.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said that local schools are directed to immediately shift to blended learning if the heat index surpasses 44°C.

However, as of now, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has recorded temperatures in Central Visayas under the “extreme caution” category, ranging from 33°C to 41°C. In Cebu, the heat index has reached 36°C.

Under the current classification, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, with continued exposure potentially leading to heat stroke.

Jimenez emphasized that all schools and division offices have already received specific guidelines on precautionary measures.

“Learning shall continue with different modalities,” he said, referring to DepEd’s standing policies, which allow schools to automatically shift to asynchronous learning once temperatures exceed 44°C.

Meanwhile, if the heat index remains below 44°C but still poses risks, school heads are advised to coordinate with local government officials. The authority to suspend classes ultimately rests with local government units (LGUs) in the absence of specific policies from the education department.

Jimenez also urged parents and guardians to actively monitor weather conditions in their respective areas and make informed decisions about their children’s safety. DepEd-7 maintains close communication with school administrators and LGUs through various platforms to provide real-time updates based on PAGASA reports.

“Ato pung gi-awhag atong mga ginikanan ug atong mga schools na mag-monitor kay naa man tay group chat about sa report sa PAGASA and other agencies involved,” Jimenez said.

Cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-lapu monitor heat index

Following DepEd-7’s directives, LGUs in Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City are closely monitoring the heat index to determine whether class suspensions will be necessary.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he is open to suspending face-to-face classes if temperatures become “extremely unbearable.”

However, he will rely on recommendations from DepEd and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) before making a decision.

“I know for a fact that other LGUs, especially in Metro Manila, where they are experiencing 41 degrees, called off classes. So, that is something that I am open to if the weather becomes extremely unbearable,” Garcia said.

As of March 10, 2025, PAGASA Mactan Complex Station recorded a temperature of 30.8°C in Cebu City, with a relative humidity of 68 percent and a heat index of 36.5°C.

Aside from student safety, Garcia is also preparing for the heat’s impact on farmers, especially in upland barangays.

“Kay tungod lagi nga kuwang og tubig. We had experienced this last year, and I’m sure we will experience this again this year, labi na sa El Niño,” said Garcia.

With this, Garcia said he has ordered an inventory of water tankers and approved the purchase of six new ones for upland areas. Additionally, the city has procured 2,000 and 4,000-liter water containers for distribution in strategic locations.

As of yesterday, Garcia said he has already received a request from Brgy. Sudlon 2 for more water supply, reflecting the need to beef up preparations.

In Mandaue City, Councilor Malcolm Sanchez, chairman of the Committee on Education, said face-to-face classes will continue as usual unless DepEd issues an advisory.

“As of the moment, status quo lang sa ta. Ang mga bata sod pa gihapon sa ilang mga respective schools,” Sanchez said.

He added that any announcement regarding class suspension must be made in coordination with DepEd and PAGASA. However, as of now, Mandaue City has not received any directive.

“Naa man tay basehan ana nga heat index as to how intense para maka-declare for suspension. We will wait for further notice pertaining to any announcements of suspension,” Sanchez added.

Additionally, Sanchez said that the city will closely monitor and coordinate with PAGASA for any updates.

“We will not just decide right away but there should be coordination between DepEd and LGU of Mandaue and consulting PAGASA as to the heat index if dili na ba ma tolerate ang kainit sa panahon didto sa mga eskwelahan,” he added.

Similarly, in Lapu-Lapu City, Public Information Office (PIO) head Mark Bautista confirmed that no advisory has been issued yet.

However, he noted that Olango Island might be more affected by extreme heat than mainland schools, which have better ventilation.

DepEd Lapu-Lapu City is also waiting for guidance from DepEd Region 7 on the matter, Bautista said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan and local education officials will coordinate if an advisory needs to be issued.

CVIRAA to be adjusted if heat index rises

Jimenez, who is currently in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, for the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA), also stated that if the heat index rises significantly, games scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will be suspended to ensure the safety of student-athletes.

“If ever motaas jud ang heat index, para sa safety jud sa mga bata,” he said.

DepEd-7 and local government units will continue monitoring temperatures in the coming weeks, ensuring timely advisories to protect students and educators from the dangers of extreme heat. — (FREEMAN)