MISAMIS Oriental — At least 20 local government units in Misamis Oriental suspended classes on August 13 and 14 as a 43°C heat index forecast placed the province under dangerous heat conditions.
The suspensions were issued amid continuing El Niño conditions, with local authorities seeking to reduce students’ exposure to extreme heat and prevent heat-related illnesses.
As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, the LGUs that had announced class suspensions were Naawan, Jasaan, Manticao, Alubijid, Opol, El Salvador City, Initao, Tagoloan, Gitagum, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Lugait, Binuangan, Medina, Magsaysay, Balingoan, Gingoog City, Libertad, Kinoguitan and Salay.
Kinoguitan and Salay suspended classes for August 13 only, while the other LGUs covered both Thursday and Friday.
Sugbongcogon, Talisayan, Balingasag and Villanueva also announced suspensions, while Claveria had not issued a suspension in the initial advisories.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast a heat index of up to 43°C at its Laguindingan Airport monitoring station, classified under the Danger category.
In Gingoog City, Mayor Erick G. Cañosa convened a meeting with the Department of Education, private schools, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on August 12 to discuss measures against the extreme heat.
The meeting focused on prevention, risk reduction and heat-health preparedness while ensuring that learning can continue in a safe environment.
Local governments urged students, parents and school personnel to remain alert to weather advisories and take precautions, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
With PAGASA warning that elevated heat index levels may persist into next week, authorities said monitoring and coordination with schools will continue as conditions develop.
