Face-to-face classes suspended in Digos City due to expected ‘danger’ heat index

People use their mobile phones at a mall in San Juan City on October 10, 2022 Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/FileDAVAO CITY — The city government of Digos in Davao del Sur announced on Tuesday that blended learning will be implemented for students Tuesday due to a high heat index forecast by state weather bureau PAGASA.

Executive Order No. 50, series of 2026, suspends face-to-face classes in both public and private schools and implements a work-from-home arrangement for teaching, division office, and school-based non-teaching personnel today, October 20, only.

The local government unit based the move on PAGASA’s projected peak heat index of 43 degrees Celsius for October 20, 2026.

“PAGASA classifies the same heat index under the “Danger” category,” the executive order read.

“It is necessary to ensure the continued safety, health, and well-being of our students, teachers and non-teaching personnel,” the EO stated.

The city government urged residents to take the necessary precautions against the effects of extreme heat, including staying hydrated, remaining in cool and well-ventilated areas, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.

PAGASA earlier said that the prevailing strong to very strong El Niño over the tropical Pacific Ocean may peak in December and could result in a drier and warmer Amihan season.