Inquirer·Philippines·

Agusan town shortens in-person classes amid scorching heat

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Chris V. Panganiban

Public and private schools in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur have been directed to hold face-to-face classes in the morning and alternative modes of learning in the afternoon due to the sweltering heat. Photo by Chris V. Panganiban — Public and private schools in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, have been directed to hold face-to-face classes in the morning and use alternative learning modes in the afternoon due to sweltering heat. Photo by Chris V. Panganiban.

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The municipal government of San Francisco has shortened face-to-face classes in all public and private schools amid scorching heat, shifting afternoon learning to alternative delivery modes.

Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo directed schools in the municipality to hold in-person classes only from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Under Executive Order No. 40, series of 2026, which took effect on Aug. 14 until lifted, classes after 11 a.m. will shift to Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM), including modular distance learning, online learning, performance tasks or a combination of these.

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The mayor said the adjustment followed recommendations from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), which assessed the increasing heat index in the municipality and warned of possible risks to the health and safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.

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The order cited Department of Education Order No. 014, series of 2026, which provides that extreme heat does not automatically result in class suspension but allows local chief executives to facilitate localized adjustments based on actual conditions.

It also cited a Schools Division of Agusan del Sur advisory recommending a shift to alternative modes of learning when heat conditions could prevent conducive learning and affect the health and safety of learners and teachers.

The municipal government said the measure was intended to protect students and school personnel while ensuring that learning activities continue.

READ: Class suspensions on Aug. 17 (Monday) due to habagat

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Private schools with adequate air-conditioning and other appropriate cooling facilities may continue face-to-face classes, provided they can ensure a safe and conducive learning environment, the order stated.

The executive order also prohibits outdoor school activities that could expose learners to excessive or unsafe heat, including sports activities and physical education classes.

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Schools were likewise urged to regularly monitor Pagasa’s heat index advisories and forecasts, ensure adequate drinking water and hydration, maintain proper classroom ventilation or cooling, minimize strenuous outdoor activities and provide appropriate breaks.

School heads, in coordination with DepEd authorities, may adopt stricter or more protective localized measures, including suspending even morning face-to-face classes if actual conditions pose risks to learners, teachers and other school personnel.

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Parents and legal guardians retain the responsibility to determine whether their children should attend classes based on their physical and mental condition during excessive or unsafe heat, the order reads. /mcm

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