The Provincial Government of Isabela has issued an executive order setting guidelines for class suspensions due to extreme heat as the dry season begins.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer Atty. Constante Foronda stated that the executive order mandates all schools in the province to suspend classes or shift to an alternative learning mode when the heat index reaches 41 degrees Celsius or higher.
While individual school heads have the discretion to suspend classes due to extreme heat, the provincial government decided to issue the order to ensure uniformity across all schools in Isabela.
The Provincial DRRM Office will coordinate with the Schools Division Office (SDO) and private schools, using PAGASA’s heat index data as the basis for class cancellations.
Since the dry season officially began yesterday, Isabela has already recorded a 41-degree Celsius heat index, posing health risks despite not yet reaching dangerous levels.
Authorities urge residents to stay hydrated, wear loose and comfortable clothing, and remain indoors when unnecessary to avoid heat stroke.