Due to heat wave, transport strikes, classes suspended

By MIMI BAÑARIA
GSD Intern

IN response to the severe heat wave and an upcoming transport strike, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools across the nation for April 29 and 30.

According to a Deped advisory, staff, including teachers and administrative personnel, is not required to report to school during these dates.

The decision follows the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) latest weather forecast, which predicts potentially hazardous heat index levels, ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, in more than 30 regions on April 29.

Additionally, the impending three-day strike by transport group PISTON, from April 29 to May 1, protesting against the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) and the approaching deadline for jeepney franchise consolidation on April 30, has influenced the decision to halt on-site classes.

While the advisory does not mandate private schools to suspend classes, they are at liberty to adopt similar measures, as per DepEd’s guidance.

DepEd stated on Sunday, April 28, that the class suspension aims to safeguard the community against the anticipated high heat index forecast by the PAGASA and the planned transport strike. Consequently, public schools will shift to asynchronous learning methods or other forms of distance education for the two days.

Furthermore, DepEd has declared that all educational and administrative staff are exempt from physically attending their workplaces during the class suspension.

Notwithstanding the suspension, regional and divisional school activities, such as the regional athletic meets and other events, are set to continue as scheduled on April 29 and 30, conditional upon the implementation of appropriate safety protocols.

Meanwhile, in an earlier press briefing at SM Downtown, Cagayan de Oro residents of Northern Mindanao are experiencing the severe effects of the dry season amid soaring temperatures. PAGASA has advised the public to brace for challenging conditions ahead.

As the nation confronts these extreme climatic conditions, DepEd reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of students, educators, and staff.

The DepEd has resolved to suspend classroom learning in public schools throughout the country from April 29 to 30, citing the oppressive heat.

Anthony Joseph Lucero, Chief of Weather Services at PAGASA, urges the community to prepare for the intense heat.

During a press briefing at SM Downtown Premiere in Cagayan De Oro on April 24, 2024, Lucero discussed the weather outlook and what the region should anticipate in the coming days.

Lucero emphasized PAGASA’s dedication to keeping the public informed, noting that advisories regarding the heat season were disseminated six months prior.

“Consistently, we’ve alerted the populace about the impending heat season six months in advance,” he remarked, highlighting the critical need for preparedness in the face of such extreme weather.

Lucero called on the public to gear up for the height of the dry season, even as temperatures continue to rise.

Despite current discomforts, Lucero reassured attendees that the rainy season is expected to commence within a few weeks, promising more temperate and comfortable conditions.

He also touched upon the issue of water shortages and the potential for cloud-seeding interventions.

Lucero clarified that cloud seeding cannot be relied upon to completely alleviate the lack of rainfall and urged the community to utilize the dry season for agriculture that thrives under such conditions, like growing crops and fruits that do not depend heavily on frequent rains.

With the rainy season anticipated to begin in May, the PAGASA head reassured that water levels are expected to return to normal.

He further explained the distinction between the heat index, a measure of perceived heat, and the actual temperature, noting that the highest temperature recorded in the area was 38 degrees Celsius.

As the briefing concluded, Lucero appealed for patience and advised against panic due to the heat.

He reminded those present that the dry season will pass and that cooler weather is forthcoming.

The press conference equipped the people of Northern Mindanao with an enhanced understanding of the current heat conditions and confidence in PAGASA’s ongoing efforts to monitor and provide weather guidance.

Following Lucero’s advice, residents now have a clearer picture of what to expect and how to prepare for the remainder of the dry season.