The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Sunday that onsite classes are still suspended from April 29 to 30 in view of the latest heat index forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
DepEd also factored in its decision the recent announcement of a nationwide strike of major transport groups from April 29 to May 1. This means all public schools are enjoined to keep implementing asynchronous classes or distance learning for Monday and Tuesday next week.
“Likewise, teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools shall not be required to report to their respective stations,” DepEd said in its latest advisory.
The education department, however, said activities organized by regional and schools’ division offices may push through as scheduled. These include Regional Athletic Association Meets and other division or school level programs.
Public school administrators were just reminded to ensure that measures for the safety of all participants have been carefully considered. The DepEd advisory does not cover private schools, but they have the option to implement the same.
Based on its computed two-day forecast as of 5PM on Saturday (April 27), PAGASA said at least 32 areas nationwide will continue to experience danger level heat index, with temperatures ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius, including Metro Manila.