By Cassandra Luis J. De Leon

Far Eastern University students expressed dismay regarding the ongoing face-to-face classes due to the non-suspension both from the University and the local government unit (LGU) of Manila despite the forecast high heat index that reached the ‘danger’ category from April 14 to 16.

PAGASA forecast a maximum heat index of 44 degrees Celsius yesterday while a maximum heat index of 43 degrees Celsius today, April 15.

Based on the previous suspensions made by the Manila LGU during this semester, classes were suspended last March 3 when the forecast temperatures were 36 to 38 and peaked at 42 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, classes last March 4 were also suspended due to the heat index that reached 43 degrees Celsius.

Heat indexes reach the ‘Danger’ level at 41 to 54 degrees Celsius.

A personal Facebook post from FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) President Christmer Roland Ordanes explained that the organization is recommending the Administration the shift to online learning from the dates April 14 to 16.

He stated that the recommendation considers the forecast extreme heat index, Holy Week, and the recently-ended midterm week, making students undergo a fast-paced school calendar without a semestral break.

FEUCSO announced that they sent the recommendation letter today, April 15.

Yesterday, FEU posted an announcement that the University will still follow the regular work schedules until tomorrow and will be until 12 noon only on Wednesday.  

Several complaints and questions regarding the suspension were posted in Facebook group One Piyu Community.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, third-year Medical Biology student Lex Linga, who also posted his sentiments in the group, highlighted the importance of prioritizing student welfare during this kind of situation.

“We’re in a digital age already, and I feel like situations like this are the best opportunity to leverage online classes. We even have Independent Learning Week[s], so what’s stopping the admin from switching to online when it’s extremely hot or raining hard? Kasi for me lang, parang ang inconsiderate,” he said.

Linga also added that class suspensions will be helpful amid the commemoration of Holy Week and during the days with forecast extreme heat index.

Students under the Institute of Arts and Sciences, Institute of Education, and General Education Courses also have their Independent Study Week ongoing until April 16, followed by the Holy Week break.

University of Santo Tomas and Polytechnic University of the Philippines are among the universities that have already suspended the classes for the whole week in observance of Holy Week.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)