The Department of Education (DepEd) announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools nationwide on Monday, April 8, 2024.
“In order to allow learners to complete pending assignments, projects and other requirements, all public schools nationwide shall implement asynchronous classes or distance learning on Monday,” DepEd said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Face-to-face classes will resume on Thursday, April 11. Tuesday and Wednesday, however, are regular holidays for the Day of Valor and Eid’l Fitr, respectively.
The department said teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools are also not required to report to their assigned stations.
Private schools are not covered by the advisory, but DepEd said their school administration can implement the order.
Based on its forecast, the state weather bureau said a 46 degrees Celsius danger heat level in Daet, Camarines Norte is possible both today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday, April 9.)
A heat index of 44 degrees Celsius is also seen in Cotabato and Maguindanao until Tuesday.
Other areas to be in danger heat index for the same period are Appari, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Meanwhile, a militant labor group called for expanded coverage of the guidelines for measures like temperature control and water breaks issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“It is the responsibility of the government and of employers to ensure that workers are safe while they are working,” said Jerome Adonis, secretary general of the Kilusang Mayo Uno.
The Labor Advisory No. 8 in 2023 issued by the DOLE recommends measures to help workers deal with extreme heat, including allowing temperature-appropriate clothing and providing free and adequate drinking water, ensuring adequate ventilation and heat insulation in workplaces, and adjusting rest breaks or work locations.
Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles, who chairs the House committee on labor and employment, backed the labor group’s proposal and urged employers to heed the DOLE advisory.
“Now, that summer has officially begun, which has been made worse by the drought due to El Niño and climate change, we are calling on employers to follow the DOLE advisory for the sake of our employees,” he said.
Nograles warned heat exposure that could result in occupational illnesses and injuries.