28-4-2024 (MANILA) The scorching temperatures gripping the Philippines have prompted the Education Department to announce a two-day suspension of in-person classes in all public schools, citing extreme heat and an upcoming nationwide strike by jeepney drivers.
Recent weeks have seen South-east Asia sweltering under intense heat, leading to the closure of thousands of schools and health advisories issued by authorities. With many Philippine schools lacking air-conditioning, students endure stifling conditions in overcrowded and poorly ventilated classrooms.
“In view of the latest heat index forecast… and the announcement of a nationwide transport strike, all public schools nationwide shall implement asynchronous classes and distance learning on April 29 and 30,” declared the department via Facebook.
The Education Department oversees a network of more than 47,000 schools spread across the Philippine archipelago.
The impending three-day strike by jeepney drivers, commencing on April 29, is a protest against the government’s proposal to phase out these smoke-emitting vehicles, which serve as a primary mode of transportation for many Filipinos commuting to work and school.
The decision to suspend in-person classes follows Manila’s recent record-breaking temperature. On April 27, the capital soared to a peak of 38.8 degrees Celsius, with the heat index reaching a blistering 45 degrees Celsius, according to data from the state weather forecaster.
The sweltering conditions persisted on April 28, driving many to seek refuge in air-conditioned shopping malls and swimming pools to escape the relentless heat.
“This is the hottest I’ve ever experienced here,” remarked Ms Nancy Bautista, 65, whose resort in Cavite province near Manila was fully booked due to the heatwave. “Many of our guests are friends and families. They swim in the pool to fight the heat.”
Forecasts suggest that the unusually hot weather in the Philippines is set to continue until mid-May, exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon. Ms Glaiza Escullar of the state weather forecaster warned that temperatures could rise further until the second week of May.
Camiling municipality in Tarlac province, north of Manila, recorded the country’s highest temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius on April 27, marking the peak of 2024’s scorching conditions.
As temperatures soar, residents like Ms Gerise Reyes, 31, are seeking refuge in shopping malls. “It is hot here at home. This is the hottest I’ve ever experienced, especially between 10am and 4pm,” she remarked.
Global temperatures hit record highs in 2023, with the United Nations’ weather and climate agency warning of Asia’s rapid warming pace. The Philippines, among the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, continues to grapple with the escalating challenges posed by extreme weather events.
