Iloilo suspends face-to-face classes at 40°C under new EO

Iloilo City and Province are preparing for high heat indices this weekend, with Mayor Jerry Treñas announcing that face-to-face classes will be suspended when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius, effective immediately following a new Executive Order signed on Sunday evening.

The Operations Center (OPCEN) recommended the change after monitoring rising temperatures since January and observing peak heat indexes between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. plans to issue an order adjusting protocols for hazardous heat conditions due to El Niño, amending last year's Executive Order No. 118.

Among the recommendations are implementing an extreme heat early warning system, promoting water conservation, and increasing awareness about heat-related illnesses.

The new guidelines give school heads various options including adjusting class schedules or shifting entirely to alternative delivery modes depending on specific conditions.