Students try to shield themselves from the heat of the noonday sun at President Corazon Aquino High School in the Baseco community in Tondo, Manila, on April 2, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia has suspended classes in public schools in the province amid the soaring heat index.

In a memorandum issued Friday, Garcia said the extreme heat is “posing a risk to the well-being of our students.” 

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She clarified, however, that this aligned with similar suspensions earlier declared by other mayors in Cebu province.

Garcia has directed the Department of Education to ensure the strict implementation of her memorandum.

Several universities have also suspended face-to-face classes. 

Cebu Normal University announced Thursday that classes in the Integrated Laboratory School, college and graduate school will implement online learning. This also covers their external campuses in Balamban and Medellin until April 12.

The Bohol Island State University made a similar announcement pronouncement effective Monday.

Face-to-face classes in all its campuses will be suspended.

Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental earlier suspended in-person classes since Wednesday until further notice.

The heat index in Central Visayas has risen to around 37 to 39 degrees Celsius.