Bacolod, other NegOcc LGUs suspend classes Friday, cite extreme heat
INQUIRER FILES
BACOLOD CITY — Several local governments in Negros Occidental, including this city, have suspended in-person classes on Friday (March 7) due to the extreme heat index forecast of 40 degrees Celsius.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez suspended classes from pre-school to senior high school in both private and public schools in Bacolod City.
Officials of private schools that have air-conditioned rooms and tertiary level institutions have the discretion to decide on whether or not to continue with in-person classes, he said.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools in Victorias City on Friday to ensure the safety of students.
He also ordered members of the Victorias Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to be on alert and immediately respond to the needs of the city’s constituents due to the extreme heat.
Cauayan, Binalbagan, Isabela and Himamaylan City also suspended in-person classes on Friday, said Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services that issued the extreme heat forecast said caution must be taken.
It added that exposure to the heat can cause cramps and heat exhaustion, and continuing activity can lead to a heat stroke.
