Tacloban:The Department of Education (DepEd) has temporarily suspended face-to-face classes in all public elementary and secondary schools in Tacloban on November 3 and 4 due to a high heat index.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nilo Eder, spokesperson of the DepEd Tacloban Schools Division, stated that the suspension affects 60 public schools, serving approximately 55,000 students. The decision follows a forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that placed Tacloban under the 'Hinga' category, with heat index readings between 33°C and 41°C.
Eder explained that the suspension aligns with DepEd Memorandum No. 64, series of 2026, as a precautionary measure to protect students and school personnel from potential heat-related illnesses. Among the affected schools is Leyte National High School (LNHS), the largest high school in Eastern Visayas, with over 8,000 students. LNHS announced a shift to distance learning for the duration of the suspension.
Teachers at LNHS are required to implement distance learning modalities, such as modular and online learning, to maintain educational continuity. Department heads are responsible for overseeing the implementation and reporting on the progress to the assistant school head for academics.
Students have been advised to adhere to their teachers' instructions regarding learning activities and assignments during the suspension. The school also called on students and stakeholders to comply with guidelines to ensure the smooth execution of distance learning.
