DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Due to extreme heat affecting classroom conditions, some schools in Pangasinan have suspended face-to-face classes to safeguard the well-being of students while maintaining the continuity of education by shifting to a blended learning approach.

Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 2023-077, dated April 20, 2023, reiterated DepEd Order 037, series of 2022, which states that school heads have the authority to suspend classes due to extreme heat, considering the well-being of the learners.

The following cities and towns in Pangasinan have announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in both public and private schools:

• Malasiqui, pre-school to high school, from April 3 to 5 until the same is lifted.
• Manaoag, pre-school to senior high school, from April 3 to 4.
• Mangatarem, all levels, on April 3.
• Mapandan, all levels, on April 3.
• San Fabian, all levels, on April 3.
• San Jacinto, pre-school to high school, on April 3 until further notice.
• Sta. Barbara, pre-school to high school, on April 2 to 5 or until the same is lifted.
• Urdaneta City, pre-school to senior high school, from April 3 to 4.
• Alcala, pre-school to senior high school, on April 4 until the same is lifted.
• Binmaley, all levels, on April 4 and 8.
• Mangaldan, pre-school to high school, on April 4 until further notice.
• Umingan, pre-school to senior high school, on April 4 until the same is lifted.

In Dagupan City, face-to-face classes are suspended from pre-school to senior high school levels in public schools on April 3, while private school administrations retain the authority to cancel their classes.

Meanwhile, Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS) temporarily shifted to blended learning classes in response to the extreme heat index.

DCNHS Principal Willy Guieb said in an interview, “We prioritize the safety of our learners to prevent potential health issues caused by the hot weather. Additionally, we ensure that our teachers are provided with learning materials intended for distribution to the students—whether through online platforms or modules—and they are instructed to monitor the progress of the tasks they assign to their students.”

Guieb stressed, “The safety of children is the top priority of DepEd, and we will take whatever necessary measures to ensure it. Hence, we temporarily shifted to a blended modality to still provide learning opportunities while ensuring their safety.”

He added that the DCNHS management has decided to implement blended learning for the first week of April, taking into account the heat index projection by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which indicates relatively high temperatures until this week.

He said that they will coordinate with PAGASA to closely monitor the situation, assess the conditions' improvement in the following week, and confirm with the Dagupan City Schools Division Superintendent Rowena Banzon the decision on whether to resume face-to-face classes.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-PAGASA, a heat index ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius can lead to potential heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

Furthermore, a range of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius carries a higher chance of both heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke also being possible.

It is advisable to stay hydrated, seek out cool places, dress appropriately, and limit outdoor activities, among other precautions. (JCR/MJTAB/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)