Philippines schools suspend in-person classes due to extreme heat

Public schools in several regions of the Philippines have suspended in-person classes due to extreme heat levels. In Western Visayas, 122 public schools across 14 local government units suspended face-to-face instruction, affecting approximately 113,022 learners. Iloilo City and Roxas City reported the highest numbers of affected students, with heat index forecasts reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius.

In Tacloban City, the Department of Education ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in 60 public elementary and secondary schools, impacting roughly 55,000 students. The city was placed under the “Hinga” category, which covers heat index readings between 33 and 41 degrees Celsius. Schools such as Leyte National High School have shifted to distance learning modalities, including modular and online instruction, to ensure educational continuity while protecting students and personnel from heat-related illnesses.