(Photo courtesy of LNHS)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has suspended face-to-face classes in all public elementary and secondary schools in Tacloban City on November 3 and 4 due to high heat index levels.
DepEd Tacloban Schools Division spokesperson Nilo Eder said the two-day suspension affects 60 public schools and approximately 55,000 students across the city.
Eder said the decision followed a forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which placed Tacloban under the “Hinga” heat index category, covering temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C.
The suspension was implemented in accordance with DepEd Memorandum No. 64, series of 2026.
“This is one of the measures to protect learners and school personnel from possible heat-related illnesses,” Eder said.
Among the affected schools is Leyte National High School (LNHS), the largest high school campus in Eastern Visayas, with more than 8,000 students.
In an advisory, LNHS announced that it would shift to distance learning during the two-day suspension to ensure the continuity of classes.
Teachers were directed to implement appropriate alternative learning methods, including modular and online instruction, while students were advised to coordinate with their respective teachers regarding assignments and other academic requirements.
Department heads were also instructed to monitor the implementation of distance learning and submit reports to the assistant school head for academics.
The school urged students, teachers, and parents to cooperate and follow the guidelines to ensure the orderly conduct of alternative learning activities.
DepEd said the temporary suspension of in-person classes is intended to minimize students’ and school personnel’s exposure to potentially dangerous heat conditions while allowing learning activities to continue.
