Bacolod, Victorias suspend face-to-face classes due to extreme heat

Bacolod City and several other local government units in Negros Occidental suspended face-to-face classes on March 6 and 7 due to extreme heat.

Mayor Albee Benitez issued an executive order cancelling in-person classes from pre-school to senior high school for two days, citing safety concerns.

Victorias City also ordered the suspension of all levels of classes in public and private schools on Friday to ensure student safety.

Private schools with air-conditioned rooms and tertiary institutions have discretion over whether or not to continue face-to-face classes, while others could shift to modular distance learning or other alternative methods.

Officials advised caution due to a heat index forecast of up to 41°C on March 7 in the region, which could cause cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.