More areas suspend in-person classes due to high heat index

MANILA, Philippines — A number of local governments suspended in-person classes on Thursday, April 4, amid forecast high levels of heat index across the country.

According to the state weather bureau, heat index refers to “the measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

Heat indexes exceeding 42 degrees Celsius may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure.

READ: Pagasa: Dangerous 42ºC heat index expected in 5 areas on Wednesday

Below is a list of suspended face-to-face classes on Thursday, April 4, 2024:

Ilocos Region

• Santa Barbara, Pangasinan — preschool to senior high school until April 5 (both public and private)
• Manaoag, Pangasinan — preschool to senior high school (both public and private)

Central Luzon

• Angeles City — all levels (both public and private)
• Bulacan — all levels until April 6 (both public and private)
• Mabalacat City, Pampanga — all levels (both public and private)
• San Fernando City, Pampanga — preschool to senior high school until April 5 (both public and private)

Western Visayas

• Iloilo City — all levels (public)
• Bacolod City — preschool to senior high school (public)

Central Visayas

• Talisay, Cebu — all levels until April 14 (public)

Zamboanga Peninsula

• Zamboanga City — all levels until April 5 (both public and private)

Soccsksargen

• General Santos City — primary to secondary levels until April 5 (both public and private)
• Sarangani — all levels until April 19 (both public and private)
• Santo Niño, South Cotabato — afternoon classes in all levels until April 8 (both public and private)
• Tantangan, South Cotabato — afternoon classes in all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
• Surallah, South Cotabato— afternoon classes in all levels (both public and private)
• Banga, South Cotabato — afternoon classes in all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
• Polomolok, South Cotabato — afternoon classes in all levels until April 15 (both public and private)
• Tupi, South Cotabato — afternoon classes in preschool to secondary level until April 12 (both public and private)