5-4-2024 (MANILA) As scorching temperatures grip parts of the Philippines, thousands of schools have made the decision to halt in-person classes, the Department of Education announced on Friday (Apr 5).
According to official records, a staggering 5,288 schools spanning the archipelago nation have transitioned to remote learning, impacting over 3.6 million students.
March, April, and May traditionally mark the hottest and driest months in the Philippines, a climate pattern further exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon. The lack of air conditioning in many schools forces students to endure stifling conditions in poorly ventilated and overcrowded classrooms.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Department of Education has empowered school administrators to determine when to shift to remote learning “in cases of extreme heat and other calamities”. Some institutions have opted to reduce class hours to avoid teaching during the peak heat of the day.
The state weather forecaster has issued warnings that the heat index is anticipated to soar to “danger” levels, ranging between 42 to 43 degrees Celsius, in various parts of the country on Friday.
In Manila, the forecast indicates a heat index reaching the “extreme caution” level of 40 degrees Celsius, heightening concerns for heat-related illnesses such as cramps and exhaustion.
It’s important to note that the country’s heat index reflects the perceived temperature, factoring in humidity levels.
While the actual maximum temperature in Manila on Friday stood at 35.5 degrees Celsius, the prevailing heat poses significant challenges for educational institutions and students alike, prompting proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the intense heatwave.
