CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY(August 14) — The heat has become a school safety concern in Northern Mindanao, prompting local governments in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental to suspend classes as the heat index climbed into the “danger”range.
Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy ordered the suspension of classes in public schools Thursday as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast a heat index of 41°C, with temperatures potentially reaching 43°C.
In Misamis Oriental, 24 of the province’s 25 local government units suspended classes in public schools starting Thursday, with some suspensions covering both Thursday and Friday.
The affected areas include Naawan, Jasaan, Manticao, Kinoguitan, Alubijid, Opol, El Salvador City, Initao, Tagoloan, Gitagum, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Lugait, Binuangan, Medina, Salay, Magsaysay, Balingoan, Gingoog City, Libertad, Sugbongcogon, Talisayan, Balingasag and Villanueva.
Some LGUs announced suspension only for Thursday.
Why the heat index matters
The concern is not simply high air temperature.
The heat index measures how hot it actually feels to the human body by factoring in humidity. When humidity is high, the body has a harder time releasing heat through sweating, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
PAGASA classifies heat indices in the range reported in Northern Mindanao as “Danger,” where prolonged exposure and physical activity can increase the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
That risk is particularly concerning for children who may spend hours inside poorly ventilated classrooms or travel under intense heat to and from school.
Health officials urge caution
The Provincial Health Office and Cagayan de Oro City Health Office advised residents to drink plenty of water and limit unnecessary exposure to the heat, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
People with existing health vulnerabilities were urged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat-related illness.
Residents were also advised to keep emergency contact numbers readily available.
Private schools decide
The suspension order in Cagayan de Oro applies to public schools.
Mayor Uy said private preschool, elementary and high schools, as well as higher education institutions, may decide independently whether to suspend classes based on the judgment of their principals, administrators or school heads.
For families, the message from local authorities is straightforward: the heat is no longer merely uncomfortable—it can be dangerous.
With the heat index potentially reaching 43°C, health officials are urging residents to treat extreme heat as a serious health risk and to avoid prolonged exposure whenever possible.
