By ALLYSA NIEVERA, PATRICK GARCIA, DIANN IVY C. CALUCIN, and JEAN FERNANDO
The local governments of Manila, Marikina, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon, Paranaque, Las Piñas, and Pasay have announced the suspension of face-to-face classes on Monday, March 3, due to the extreme heat forecast in the National Capital Region (NCR).
(Photo from AP)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced a dangerous heat index forecast of 46 degrees Celsius.
All classes in public schools in Valenzuela City and kindergarten to senior high school classes in public schools in Caloocan City will shift to asynchronous or blended learning.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval suspended face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private schools, in Malabon City and directed school officials to shift to asynchronous or blended learning.
Private schools were given the discretion to shift to an alternative learning modality.
The Marikina City local government suspended all afternoon classes in all private and public schools located in the city.
"Bunsod ng inaasahang labis na init ng panahon (46 degree celsius heat index) ngayong araw, Marso 3, 2025, KANSELADO NA ANG KLASE SA PAARALAN SA LAHAT NG ANTAS sa Lungsod ng Marikina(ALL LEVELS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS) sa mga panghapon na klase (PM SESSION) samantalang MAAGANG PAGPAPAUWI (Early Dismissal) 11am naman ang ipatutupad para sa mga pang- umagang klase (Due to the forecasted extreme heat index of 46 degrees Celsius heat index today, March 3, 2025, the city government cancels all afternoon classes in all levels for both public and private schools in Marikina, while an early dismissal at 11 a.m. will be implemented for morning classes)," Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro said.
"Pinapayuhan ang bawat isa na gawin ang ibayong pag- iingat. Manatili sa loob ng bahay hanggat maaari at madalas na uminom ng tubig for hydration (Everyone is reminded to exercise extreme caution. Stay indoors and as much as possible, drink enough water to remain hydrated)," he added.
The Manila local government also suspended afternoon classes in all levels, both public and private, on Monday, March 3, following the recommendation of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council.
According to the Manila DRRMO, the heat index was expected to range from 36 to 38 degrees, with the peak heat index reaching 42 degrees around 2 p.m.
The suspension aims to ensure the safety of students amid the extreme heat which poses a risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Manila DRRMO and local authorities are monitoring the situation and will provide further updates.
Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez also ordered the suspension of face-to-face (F2F) classes in all levels, both in public and private schools in the city on Monday.
The mayor advised all schools to conduct instead online classes/asynchronous classes as alternative learning modality.
Olivarez also advised residents to drink plenty of water and to stay indoors.
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar also ordered the suspension of face-to-face (F2F) classes, both in public and private schools, to protect the city's students from extreme heat.
She advised all schools to shift to online classes/asynchronous classes as alternative learning modality.
The mayor also advised residents to stay indoors.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano ordered the suspension of afternoon classes in public and private schools upon the recommendation of the Pasay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).
She advised all schools to conduct online or asynchronous classes as alternative learning modality.