As the scorching heatwave tightens its grip over various parts of the Philippines, educational institutions are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and faculty members. Face-to-face classes scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, have been suspended in several areas due to extreme heat conditions.
In Metro Manila, the local government units (LGUs) of Malabon City, Muntinlupa City, Pasay City, and Valenzuela City have announced class suspensions in public schools and specified learning modalities for private institutions. The decision comes as a response to the forecasted heat index, which is expected to soar to alarming levels, posing health risks to individuals exposed to prolonged outdoor activities.
Malabon City has suspended face-to-face classes in public schools, prioritizing the safety of students and staff members amidst the intense heat. Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City has opted for a blended learning modality for kindergarten to Grade 12 students from May 13 to 17, providing flexibility while ensuring educational continuity.
In Pasay City, both public and private schools across all levels have been affected by the suspension, indicating the severity of the heatwave’s impact on the region. Similarly, Valenzuela City has implemented an automatic suspension of face-to-face classes for kinder to senior high school in both public and private schools once the heat index reaches a critical threshold of 42°C.
Beyond Metro Manila, provinces such as Bulacan have also enforced class suspensions for all levels in both public and private institutions since May 8. The directive, outlined in Memorandum DRF-05072024-217, remains in effect until further notice, reflecting the seriousness of the prevailing weather conditions.
Furthermore, specific cities and municipalities are taking localized measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the heat wave on students’ well-being. In Umingan, Pangasinan, afternoon classes for preschool to senior high school students in public schools have been suspended until May 31, allowing authorities to closely monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.
Even tertiary institutions are not exempt from the heatwave’s impact, as evidenced by the suspension of Graduate Studies at the University of Caloocan City (UCC). The decision underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard the entire educational community from the hazards posed by extreme weather conditions.
In light of these developments, affected schools and LGUs are advised to implement asynchronous classes or alternative learning modalities to ensure the continuity of education while prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff members. Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to advisories issued by local authorities to minimize exposure to the sweltering heat.