BACOLOD CITY, March 11 -- Several local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have suspended face-to-face classes for two days or until Tuesday due to extreme heat.

On Monday, the heat index in Negros Occidental, including this highly-urbanized city, was 41 degrees celsius and on Tuesday, 40 degrees celsius, based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In Bacolod City, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez ordered the suspension of in-person classes in elementary and secondary levels of all schools for the safety and welfare of students.

He encouraged elementary and secondary schools to adopt alternative delivery modes as methods of instruction.

"The decision for t...