Extreme heat prompts Zambales town schools to turn to distance learning

Zambales map. INQUIRER FILES

OLONGAPO CITY — Some public schools in San Marcelino town in Zambales province are temporarily implementing modular distance learning to protect students from the hot weather.

According to Mayor Elmer Soria, seven schools in their town would implement modular distance learning. These are San Guillermo National High School, San Rafael High School, San Marcelino Elementary School, Linasin Elementary School, Nagbunga Elementary School, San Rafael Elementary School, and Rabanes Elementary School.

Citing reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Office, Soria said some students experienced nausea, vomiting, nosebleed, and weakness, while some teachers had been getting sick.

Soria said the health and safety of students and teachers must be the priority.

He also reminded the public to regularly drink water and avoid staying under the sun to prevent heat stroke and exhaustion.

The Department of Education issued Memorandum No. 2023-077 on April 20, saying public and private schools could cancel in-person classes and implement modular distance learning for the safety of students and teachers.

Zambales recently recorded a high heat index since the peak of the warm and dry season in March. The heat index recorded by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s Iba Station in Zambales on Monday, May 8, was 44 degrees Celsius. INQ

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