Heatwave closes schools in almost half of Philippine capital March 4, 2025

A heatwave hit large areas of the Philippines in April and May last year, leading to almost daily suspensions of face-to-face classes, and affecting millions of students. (AFP file photo)

By AFP - Agence France Presse

Heatwave closes schools in almost half of Philippine capital

The warning from the National Weather Service warns that the heat index will reach “danger” levels in Manila and two other areas of the country

The capital region has a student population of more than 2.8 million, according to data from the education department

MANILA: High temperatures closed schools in almost half of the Philippine capital on Monday, local officials said, as the torrid dry season began in the tropical Southeast Asian country.

The National Weather Service warned that the heat index, a measure of air temperature and relative humidity, was about to reach “dangerous” levels in Manila and two other areas of the country.

“Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” at this level, the warning said, cautioning residents in the affected areas to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

A heatwave hit large areas of the Philippines in April and May last year, leading to almost daily suspensions of face-to-face classes, and affecting millions of students.

Manila's temperature reached a record high of 38.8 Celsius (101.8F) on April 27 last year.

Although temperatures were forecast to reach only 33°C on Monday, local governments in Manila and six other districts ordered classrooms closed as a precaution.

According to the education department, the capital region has a student population of more than 2.8 million.

In Manila's Malabon district, Edgar Bonifacio, an education department official, said the suspensions affected more than 68,000 students in 42 schools.

“We were surprised by the heat index warning,” said Bonifacio, adding: ”We still can't feel the heat outside.”

However, due to the protocols adopted during last year's heat wave, the district's school superintendent has recommended suspending in-person classes.

“Our main concern is that we're nearing the end of the school year (in mid-April),” said Bonifacio. ”That would mean a reduction in the number of school days available.”

In the Valenzuela district, school official Annie Bernardo said her 69 schools have been told to switch to “alternative” learning models, including online classes.

Global average temperatures hit record highs in 2024 and even briefly exceeded the critical warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In January, the UN children's agency UNICEF said that extreme weather disrupted schooling for some 242 million children in 85 countries last year, including the Philippines, with heatwaves having the biggest impact.

Human activity, including the unrestricted burning of fossil fuels for decades, has warmed the planet and changed weather patterns.

This has meant wetter and drier periods, intensifying heat and storms and making populations more vulnerable to disasters.

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