Schools in Eastern Visayas have implemented alternative and blended learning mode.

According to DepEd Region 8 Information Officer Jasmin Francisco-Calzita, five schools supervised by the Maasin City Schools Division suspended in-person classes beginning April 2, 2024.

The five schools are Maasin Central School, Cansirong Multi-Grade School, Lib-og Elementary School, Lanao Elementary School, and Baugo National High School. These schools switched to the alternative delivery mode (ADM) of learning for 1,300 students.

According to Genis Murallos, Maasin City Schools Division superintendent, suspension of in-person classes ensures the safety of both students and teachers.

“It’s the call of the school head ang trabaho namon is to monitor, natagaan ba og insaktong mga ADM material ang mga bata and we should make sure nga wala gyuy madaot sa kainit,” Supt. Murallos said.

Face-to-face classes were also suspended in Ichon National High School in Southern Leyte with 1,481 learners.

At about noontime on April 2, 2024, the Municipality of Biliran in the Province of Biliran issued Executive Order 2024-09 on a switch to blended learning mode.

Biliran Mayor Myra Cabrales ordered the implementation of blended learning mode in all elementary and high schools in the said town. The EO is effective until April 19, 2024. This also encourages the conduct of classes in the morning only, with modular learning in the afternoon.

“Again, it will depend then sa heat index. Pag hindi favorable sa learners to report, hindi lang namin ma-anticipate tomorrow yung weather condition,” Eastern Visayas Information Officer Calzita said.

Further, Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City in Cebu in Central Visayas have also suspended face-to-face classes. 

Lapu-Lapu City schools have switched to modular learning mode from nursery to high school effective April 3 to April 12, 2024 while Talisay City set the suspension from April 3 to April 14, 2024. 

"Only students scheduled to take the National Achievement Test and Early Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment will have in-person classes, while the rest will engage in the modular set-up," Talisay Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas said in an advisory.