QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The local government of Valenzuela is now implementing the amended ordinance on class and work suspension with the inclusion of “dangerous heat index” guidelines in light of the extreme heat conditions experienced across the country. 

The amendment of the Ordinance No. 1052, s. 2022, essentially provides for the specific considerations in line with the forecasted heat index. 

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

“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,” it added. 

Under the amended ordinance, in-person or face-to-face classes as well as work in public and private schools from preschool, elementary, and secondary levels shall be automatically canceled or suspended once the temperature rises to 42 degrees Celsius and above which classify as “Dangerous Heat Index.” However, they are prescribed to shift to synchronous and asynchronous online classes to prevent disruption of learning. 

Meanwhile, classes and work in public and private schools at the tertiary level shall not be automatically canceled or suspended unless the City Mayor declared otherwise. The school administration can also exercise its discretion to cancel or suspend classes and work based on reasonable assessment of the situation. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) constantly provides a 5-day heat index map for the reference and guidance of local government units (LGUs). 

As of Sunday, May 5, the highest computed climate heat index in the National Capital Region (NCR) ranges from 40 to 43 degrees Celsius. Taking necessary precautions is advised to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke due to prolonged exposure to heat.

This forecast was based on the nearest monitoring sites of PAGASA in NCR which are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay and the Science Garden Station in Quezon City. (Valenzuela PIO/PIA-NCR)