Deped Olongapo Suspends Face-to-Face Classes as Heat Index Rises

The Schools Division of Olongapo adhered to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) announcement of the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools nationwide last April 8, 2024. In a Facebook post on Sunday, April 7, 2024, all public schools around the country shall administer asynchronous classes and implement Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) to be able to assist the students to accomplish outstanding assignments and other school requirements. Face-to-face classes resumed on Thursday, April 11 to give way to the two holidays in commemoration of the Day of Valor and Eid’l Fitr, respectively, yielding a long weekend break for education sector including the non-teaching personnel in all public schools. Private schools are not included by the advisory, but DepEd said that their school administration may elect to implement the order. The 46 degree Celsius danger heat level in Daet, Camarines Norte was forecasted by the state weather bureau to rise on those given dates. A heat index of 44 degrees Celsius is also seen in Cotabato and Maguindanao until Tuesday. Other areas that were in danger heat index for the same period are Appari, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. “Now, that summer has officially begun, which has been aggravated by the drought due to El Niño and climate change, all public schools nationwide shall continuously implement shortened school hours to be complemented by ADM and other on-line modalities until the School Year 2023-2024 ends this May. (Donald Q. Gramonte)