IF the heat gets any worse, students in Cebu City might shift to modular learning at home.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia is considering suspending face-to-face classes in elementary and secondary schools as rising temperatures pose health risks.

In an interview on Monday, March 10, 2025, Garcia said he would immediately halt in-person classes if the heat index surpasses 41 degrees Celsius, a level classified as dangerous.

Garcia plans to consult with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education (DepEd), among other agencies, to determine the best course of action.

He stressed that local chief executives have the authority to implement class suspensions to protect students.

Extreme heat has already forced multiple regions across the country to suspend in-person classes, with Pagasa reporting heat indices reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius in some areas.

In Cebu, Pagasa Mactan forecast a heat index of 36 degrees Celsius for March 10 and 11, categorizing it under “extreme caution.”

Anticipating worsening conditions, DepEd Cebu City has prepared for a potential shift to modular learning, according to the Cebu City Public Information Office.

Meanwhile, students in Mandaue City will remain in their classrooms despite the sweltering heat.

Councilor Malcolm Sanchez, chairman of the Committee on Education, said they have not received any recommendation from DepEd to suspend classes.

He emphasized the need to coordinate with school officials, who are more familiar with conditions in their respective areas, as well as with Pagasa for official weather assessments.

Sanchez also noted that DepEd officials and school administrators have been preoccupied with preparations for the upcoming Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

Unless DepEd or weather authorities advise otherwise, classes in Mandaue will continue as scheduled.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Raymond Garcia
• #Class Suspension
• #Face-to-Face Classes
• #Heat Index
• #Department of Education