Western Visayas schools suspend classes due to 43°C heat index

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Schools across Western Visayas suspended classes or shifted to online learning on Tuesday as the heat index is forecast to reach 43 degrees Celsius in Iloilo City and 42°C in Roxas City, Capiz.

The class suspensions and adjustments cover public and private educational institutions in Iloilo and Capiz, with some schools suspending all academic activities. Other schools adopted remote learning arrangements to protect students and teachers from extreme heat.

Among those implementing alternative learning arrangements are West Visayas State University (WVSU), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Central Philippine University (CPU), Capiz State University (CAPSU), Angelicum School Iloilo and Filamer Christian University.

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READ: 16 areas to experience dangerous heat levels Tuesday — Pagasa

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Several basic education institutions, including Rizal Elementary School, A. Mabini Elementary School and RiverView Adventist Academy, all in Iloilo City, also announced class suspensions.

The announcements followed the forecast of dangerously high heat index levels and the implementation of Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 64, series of 2026, which establishes protective measures for schools amid the 2026–2027 El Niño.

At WVSU, face-to-face classes at all levels on the main campus in La Paz, Iloilo City, were automatically suspended, with instruction shifting to mediated learning modalities under the university’s Code Orange alert.

Flexible learning arrangements apply to most programs, except those under the College of Law, College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, and courses requiring related learning experiences.

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Satellite campuses may implement similar measures if comparable heat index levels hit their respective areas.

UPV announced that classes at its Iloilo City campus would shift to remote or asynchronous learning.

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However, laboratory classes, scheduled examinations, and other academic activities requiring face-to-face interaction may continue, provided health protocols are strictly observed.

READ: Walang Pasok: High heat index prompts class suspensions on Nov. 3

ISAT U also shifted college lecture classes and all junior high school classes at its Iloilo City Campus to synchronous or asynchronous online learning.

Laboratory classes will proceed face-to-face as scheduled, while faculty members handling lecture classes have been authorized to work from home. Regular office operations will continue.

CPU activated its learning continuity plan, placing all classes from preschool to senior high school under asynchronous learning.

Its College of Law and College of Medicine will issue separate instructions through their respective deans.

Angelicum School Iloilo likewise shifted all classes to online synchronous learning, although office operations will continue as usual.

In Roxas City, CAPSU announced the suspension of face-to-face classes at its main campus due to the projected 42°C heat index.

Under CAPSU Memorandum Order No. 25-03-0997, all classes will temporarily shift to online learning.

Filamer Christian University also suspended in-person classes in its Basic Education Unit, covering kindergarten, elementary, junior high school, and senior high school.

READ: Init ug igang’: Visayas to see fair weather with high heat index TuesdayThe university said it wanted to safeguard learners and school personnel from heat-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, several basic education schools in Iloilo City announced stricter measures, suspending academic activities rather than shifting instruction online.

Rizal Elementary School suspended classes on Nov. 3 because of the projected 43°C heat index, citing DepEd’s updated guidelines on class suspensions.

A. Mabini Elementary School adopted the Hinto response level, suspending both face-to-face and online classes, including asynchronous and modular learning activities.

The school said learners would be given a complete break from academic responsibilities during the suspension.

RiverView Adventist Academy similarly suspended all face-to-face classes and academic activities on Tuesday.

The school also moved its Term 2 Summative Test from Nov.3 to Wednesday, Nov. 4.

However, its teachers and non-teaching personnel were directed to report to school to prepare instructional materials, learning activity sheets, and other learning resources.

The different arrangements highlight how schools are implementing varying levels of suspension and learning continuity measures in response to the same extreme heat conditions.

Under DepEd Memorandum No. 64, series of 2026, schools follow the four-phase Hayo, Hinay, Hinga, and Hinto heat response framework.

The guidelines allow regular face-to-face classes when the heat index is below 27°C, while temperatures of 27°C to 32°C permit shortened class hours or flexible learning arrangements.

At 33°C to 41°C, face-to-face classes are suspended, with lighter home-based learning activities implemented.

At 42°C and above, both face-to-face and home-based learning activities are suspended under the Hinto framework. Schools must communicate with learners to support and monitor their safety.

The guidelines also authorize school heads to suspend classes based on local conditions even before the highest heat index thresholds are reached.

READ: Explainer: Heat index levels classification

With the forecast heat index in Iloilo City reaching 43°C and Roxas City 42°C, both areas fall within the danger category under the DepEd framework.

The memorandum applies to basic education institutions, while colleges and universities implement their respective academic continuity and emergency response policies.

School authorities have advised students, teachers, and personnel to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and take precautions against heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.

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The announcements reflect growing disruptions to educational activities as Western Visayas braces for the effects of extreme heat amid the ongoing El Niño./coa