A total of 122 public schools in 14 local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas suspended in-person classes on Tuesday, Nov. 3, due to high heat index, affecting 113,022 learners, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
Iloilo City recorded the most affected learners at 73,127, followed by Roxas City with 31,685 and other areas in Capiz with 8,210.
The suspensions followed weather forecasts of heat index levels reaching 43 degrees Celsius in Iloilo City, 42 degrees in Roxas City, and 40 degrees in Mambusao, Capiz, and Dumangas, Iloilo, on Tuesday.
In an interview, DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said DepEd Memorandum No. 64, series of 2026, which outlines anticipatory actions and protective measures for the expected Super El Niño, provides a 4H framework to guide schools in choosing appropriate learning delivery arrangements.
The framework classifies heat conditions into four levels: Hayo, or normal conditions, with a heat index below 27 degrees Celsius; Hinay, or caution, at 27 to 32 degrees; Hinga, or extreme caution, at 33 to 41 degrees; and Hinto, or danger, above 42 degrees.
Under the guidelines, schools may continue regular in-person classes with hydration breaks during Hayo conditions. Hinay calls for shorter class hours or flexible and hybrid learning arrangements, while Hinga requires the suspension of in-person classes, lighter home-based tasks and health monitoring.
At the Hinto level, all physical and home-based academic activities must be suspended.
“With this, our teachers and school heads will be guided if they need to shift to other modalities to ensure the well-being of learners and personnel and their learning will not be affected,” Escullar said.
He added schools may shift to alternative delivery modes even without an LGU declaration, provided they inform their respective schools division superintendent.
Private schools are encouraged to adopt the guidelines, as applicable, in accordance with existing laws and DepEd regulations.
Escullar said some private schools have adequate facilities to protect learners from extreme heat.
State universities and colleges offering basic education are guided by the Commission on Higher Education, while DepEd will also follow relevant guidelines issued by local chief executives under their general welfare powers.
Escullar said protecting the health and safety of learners and teachers remains the department’s priority, while alternative learning arrangements are intended to ensure continuity of education.Perla Lena/PNA
