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‘Alarming’ heat index shuts down schools
By J.Lo
“Suspension of classes is necessary, but it is merely band-aid solution to systemic problem,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)chairman Vladimer Quetua said extreme heat leading to unbearable classroom conditions forced schools in Metro Manila to send students home, according to Department of Education (DepEd).
Navotas, however, continued with face-to-face classes in public and private schools.
On-site classes were suspended in cities of Manila, Malabon, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Pasay, DepEd reported.
Students in Marikina were dismissed early in the morning.
Valenzuela and Caloocan shifted to asynchronous or blended learning.
San Juan will enforce today new class schedule to protect students from extreme heat, with classes set from 6 to 10 in the morning and from 3 in the afternoon to 7 in the evening.
In Pampanga, cities of Angeles and San Fernando suspended afternoon classes due to high heat index.
Other areas in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao have yet to report class disruptions due to extreme heat.
Alternative delivery mode mechanisms, such as remote classes, were triggered by DepEd.
After pandemic, various groups and education stakeholders called for return to old school calendar, citing heat experienced by students in March and April.
Lawmakers also sought to intervene, stressing that urrent school calendar from August to June is inappropriate in the country.
Thousands of schools suspended classes in March and April last year, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to approve calendar adjustments, with classes opening by June 16 and ending by March 31, 2026.
Malacañang assured public that government is prepared for effects of high heat index.
Agencies are collating action plans to brace for impact of higher temperatures, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
Schools must be equipped by government with proper ventilation and health care services, according to ACT.
“Situation has become so desperate that students are being asked to forgo their uniforms, bring personal fans and crowd into clinics or canteens just to get drinking water,” he noted.
Funds for maintenance and other operating expenses must be immediately disbursed to schools for emergency cooling measures, he said.
Construction of 15,000 climate-resilient classrooms as promised last year by DepEd – should be fast-tracked, along with properly equipped clinics in every school, Quetua said.
Budget for school infrastructure must be increased next year, targeting classroom shortage of 250,000, he noted.
Temperatures reaching 42 to 51 degrees Celsius can result in heat cramps and heat exhaustion, Department of Health (DOH) said.
Symptoms include overfatigue, dizziness, headache and vomiting, DOH noted.
Too much sun exposure can increase people’s chances of suffering heat stroke, DOH said.
Drink water and avoid iced tea, soda, coffee and alcoholic drinks, DOH advised public.
“They should limit their outdoor exposure between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, use protective items such as hats, umbrellas and sunblock and wear loose clothing or those made of light fabric,” DOH said.
People experiencing symptoms should be transferred to cool and shaded areas with proper ventilation and drink cold water slowly.
Patients can have cold compress placed on their head, face, neck, armpits and wrist.
Some parts of the country may experience danger-level heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, according to state weather bureau.
Heat breaks and other measures to prevent heat-related illnesses in the workplace should be implemented amid scorching heat, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines president and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza said.
Hazard pay for workers exposed to extreme heat must be institutionalized by the government, Federation of Free Workers president and senatorial candidate Sonny Matula said.
“Heat leaves” in collective bargaining agreements should also be adopted, Matula noted.
Mendoza said Department of Labor and Employment should mandate employers to conduct heat-related health risk assessments and improve workplace ventilation.
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