Includes heat index in guidelines

IN light of the extreme heat waves brought about by the El Niño season experienced in the country, the City of Valenzuela amended Ordinance No. 1052, Series of 2022, or the “Automatic Class Suspension” ordinance; adding the “dangerous heat index” in the guidelines for suspension of face-to-face classes and work.

The updated guidelines prescribe specific considerations in accordance with the forecasted heat index.

As the hot temperature peaks, the City of Valenzuela amended its existing ordinance prescribing the guidelines for canceling or suspending in-person classes by adding the heat index to the list of considerations.

In the amendment of Ordinance No. 1052, Series of 2022, it was stated that should the temperatures spike up to 42°C and above, the in-person or face-to-face classes and work in public and private schools from the Basic Education (pre-school, elementary, and secondary levels) shall be automatically canceled or suspended and shall shift to online synchronous and asynchronous mode.

For the tertiary level, the face-to-face classes and work in public and private schools shall not automatically be canceled or suspended; unless declared by the local chief executive or at the discretion of the school administration based on their reasonable assessment.

As defined in the ordinance, the “dangerous heat index” refers to the heat index reaching 42°C and above as forecasted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services (PAGASA); based on the nearest monitoring site, PAGASA Science Garden Station.

The forecasted heat index will be the basis for in-person class suspension. The City of Valenzuela strives to keep the general welfare as its utmost priority. With the extreme heat waves rendering on-site school facilities unconducive to learning and perceived hazardous to health, the local government pursues relevant action to protect its citizens while also upholding the quality of education for students.

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