Surigao del sur: Local government units in Surigao del Sur have ordered the adoption of temporary modified class schedules as the province continues to experience a high heat index. In Tandag City, temporary modified class schedules began on Tuesday pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 31 issued by OIC Mayor Ma. Lourdes Kharin Momo.
According to Philippines News Agency, on August 10, 2026, at 3 p.m., a heat index of 46°C was recorded in Tandag City, prompting the city government to immediately suspend face-to-face classes in all public and private schools from kindergarten to senior high school as an emergency measure to protect learners, teachers, and school personnel from heat-related health risks. The EO indicated that the adoption of temporary modified class schedules is pursuant to Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 014, series of 2026, or the Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies.
The DepEd Order provides that while there is no automatic suspension of classes due to extreme heat, local chief executives of LGUs may facilitate localized class suspensions in cases of unbearable heat based on the conditions of the locality, in coordination with local DepEd officials. "The same DepEd Order recognizes localized or granular suspension when the temperature in classrooms or learning spaces is not conducive to learning and affects the health and safety of learners and teachers," the EO said.
Under the EO, face-to-face classes in Tandag City, from kindergarten to senior high school, shall be conducted only from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. "Face-to-face classes after 11 a.m. are hereby suspended. The remaining class hours shall be conducted through appropriate alternative learning modalities in accordance with applicable Department of Education policies," the EO said.
For the remaining class hours, schools shall implement appropriate distance learning or other learning continuity modalities, including online or modular learning, performance tasks, projects, or other appropriate arrangements, as may be feasible and in accordance with DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026, other applicable DepEd issuances, and their respective learning continuity plans, it added. No outdoor activities shall be conducted, especially when learners are exposed to excessive or unsafe heat, the EO further stated.
Meanwhile, the LGU Cortes in Surigao del Sur, through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), also announced on Tuesday the implementation of modified classes from day care to senior high school. Face-to-face classes shall be conducted from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., while afternoon classes will be done through distance learning modalities to ensure the safety of students due to the high heat index, the MDRRMO said.
