Bacolod calls off classes over extreme heat

BACOLOD City – Extreme heat index, as forecasted by the state weather bureau, makes learning less conducive, compelling the city government of Bacolod to declare the suspension of classes.

On Friday noon, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez released Executive Order (EO) No. 013, series of 2024, suspending all classes from pre-school to college, both in private and public schools and universities.

The EO was released following the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration- La Granja Station’s forecast that the heat index would reach as high as 40 degrees Celcius.

Be ni te zs aid it is to protect life and property and promote the general welfare of the people, particularly the learners and school staff.

“For the safety and welfare of the students of this city, there is a need to declare the suspension of classes,” he said.

The mayor cited EO No. 66, series of 2012, issued by the Office of the President, which prescribes the rules on t he cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices due to typhoons, flooding, other weather disturbances, and calamities.

The same order delegated authority to local executives in the affected areas.

Similarly, Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 037, series of 2022, sets the guidelines on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools in the event of natural disasters, power outages, power interruptions, and other calamities.

Following the EO issued by Benitez, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University ( CHMSU) released on the same day an advisory for the suspension of all classes and work on the Alijis and Fortune Towne campuses.

Classes on the Talisay and Binalbagan campuses in Negros Occidental were also suspended, the advisory added. However, all faculty and non-teaching personnel continued with their respective duties for the day.

CHMSU advised everyone to continue monitoring for updates, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and take the necessary precautionary measures to keep themselves hydrated./

Executive Order No. 013, series of 2024 was issued on Friday, March 8, suspending classes in all levels, both in private and public schools and universities, in Bacolod City following the extreme heat forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-La Granja Station.