Gov. Gwen Garcia is not yet lifting her memorandum suspending classes in the entire Cebu Province due to intense heat index while the El Niño phenomenon rages on.
“Right now, abnormal kaayo ang heat index. I will continue to suspend it (class) because we’d rather not be responsible for forcing children to go to school nga ingon ani ka grabe ang kainit,” the governor said in an impromptu video interview by Capitol PIO today, April 24.
On April 5, the governor signed Memorandum No. 22-2024 addressed to all mayors and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province, ordering for the suspension of all classes “until further notice” for the unusually high heat index in Cebu.
The same order is echoed by a memorandum issued by DepEd 7 director Dr. Salustiano Jimenez released on the same date on April 5, suspending classes in the entire Cebu Island due to high heat index and asking teachers to shift to alternative delivery mode of lessons.
“There are those nga moiingon, ‘Da, mao ra gihapon kay ang mga bata magduwa ra gihapon, moadtos gawas.’ Well at least, dili nana responsibilidad sa eskwelahan. Responsibilidad nana sa ginikanan. Or would you rather nga eskwelahan diay magbantay sa inyong mga anak?” Gov. Gwen said in the video message.
Heat index refers to a measure that indicates the level of discomfort the average person is thought to experience as a result of the combined effects of the temperature and humidity of the air, according to state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In its website posted on April 22, Pagasa predicted that its Lapu-Lapu City station in Cebu would record the highest heat index for Cebu yet at 40 degrees Celsius today, April 24, Wednesday.
Based on its effect-based classification, a heat index between 33 to 41 degrees Celsius is classified under the extreme caution category.
Under this category, the effects on the body include heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continuing activity may also lead to heat stroke.
Among the symptoms of heat-related illnesses to watch out for are sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness, blacking out, weak but fast pulse, feeling of nausea, and vomiting.
Among the prevention measures Pagasa suggested are limiting the time spent outdoors, drinking plenty of water, bringing umbrellas, wearing hats and sleeved clothing, and scheduling heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it’s cooler. | IPA