PHILHEALTH OFFERS HEAT-RELATED MEDICAL PACKAGE

THE city governments of the two major urban areas in Pangasinan, Dagupan and Urdaneta, suspended face-to-face classes last week amid the continued rising heat index, reaching 45°C on March 12 and 13, higher than the 42°C recorded the previous week.

Urdaneta City Mayor Julio Parayno III was the first to issue an executive order suspending in-person classes in all levels, both for public and private schools, from March 10 to 14, based on the heat level forecast.

In his Executive Order No. 225-05 issued on March 10, the mayor cited that state weather bureau PAGASA placed Urdaneta under the “extreme caution” category, where heat cramp and heat exhaustion are possible, and continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.

Schools were expected to adopt online and modular learning methods.

Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez, meanwhile, ordered a similar suspension on Wednesday effective March 13.

Prior to the in-person class suspension, the city’s Public Alert, Response and Monitoring Center reported that a woman fainted while walking along A.B. Fernandez Avenue under the searing sun without any head or bodily protection.

Fernandez called on all educational institutions to adopt online, modular or other alternative learning methods to ensure continued education while safeguarding the health of students and faculty.

Dagupan is consistently among the areas in the country with the highest heat index nationwide.

PAGASA Dagupan Chief Jose Estrada Jr. said the current heat levels are expected as the effects of the northeast monsoon weaken and the easterly wind flow begins. He also noted that further changes in weather patterns are expected by the end of March, continuing into April.

Meanwhile, the PhilHealth announced that hospital patients suffering from heat stroke will get a P12,675 coverage, while those admitted for heat fatigue can get P18,135. (Leonardo Micua/Ahikam Pasion)

 

Bayambang, Sta. Barbara set modified school sked

 TWO towns in Pangasinan that are still largely considered rural with vast open agricultural areas have likewise been affected by rising heat levels, prompting local leaders to order alternative learning modes to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel.

Mayor Carlito Zaplan of Sta. Barbara issued an executive order directing all public schools to modify teaching schedules from pre-school to high school levels on March 13 to 14, and possibly in succeeding days upon the discretion of the school head, depending on the heat index.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the temperature in Sta. Barbara could reach 44°C to 45°C in the days ahead. Under the agency’s index, a “danger” heat level starts at 42°C.

Under the approved modified teaching schedules, morning classes will be face-to face in all levels while afternoon classes will be in modular or blended learning methods.

Private school heads are given discretion to modify their teaching schedules.

In Bayambang, Mayor Mary Clare Judith Jose-Quiambao issued an order temporarily suspending face-to-face afternoon classes in all public educational institutions from March 12 to April 15 to avoid serious health risks.

To maintain academic progress, the executive order mandates the adoption of alternative learning modalities, including modular distance learning, performance-based tasks, projects, and make-up classes. This flexible approach ensures that students can continue their education without compromising their well-being during the extreme heat.

Private schools and higher learning institutions will decide independently whether to implement similar measures. (Leonardo Micua/Eva Visperas)

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