The Department of Education (DepEd) Wednesday said 3,954 schools nationwide have already shifted to alternative delivery modes (ADM) due to hot weather conditions.

In a statement, the DepEd said the suspension of in-person classes in 12 regions has affected 1,393,806 learners as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

In Metro Manila, 183 schools have shifted to ADM, particularly in Caloocan, Malabon, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, and San Juan City.

The highest number of schools implementing ADM was recorded in Western Visayas, reaching 990 schools; followed by Soccsksargen with 801 schools; Central Visayas with 694 schools; and Ilocos Region with 581 schools.

The DepEd also said 199 schools have suspended face-to-face classes in Central Luzon, 162 in Eastern Visayas, and 148 in Bicol Region while less than a hundred schools in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Romblon, and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), and in Zamboanga Peninsula.

No suspension of in-person classes, meanwhile, was reported in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The Task Force El Niño has earlier urged local government units (LGUs) to implement a shift to ADM to ensure the welfare of teachers and learners amid the effects of scorching heat.

The DepEd also said school heads have the authority to order school suspensions. (PNA)