The scorching heatwave in the Philippines has forced the closure of all public schools on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels across the country. The extreme heat, with some regions reaching a heat index of at least 42 degrees Celsius, has prompted authorities to move classes online to protect students and teachers from heat-related illnesses.
In metropolitan Manila, where the heat index is forecast to hit a staggering 45 degrees Celsius, residents are finding creative ways to cool off, from setting up inflatable pools on busy roads to taking a dip in Manila Bay despite warnings of pollution. The situation is further complicated by a nationwide strike of jeepneys, the main mode of public transportation, as drivers protest the government’s plan to phase them out in favor of more energy-efficient minibuses.
The Department of Education announced the school closures in response to the extreme weather, which has already led to some schools canceling classes due to the intense heat. Teachers and students are struggling to concentrate in sweltering classrooms, even in schools equipped with air conditioning.
The decision to close schools during this heatwave has sparked debate among teacher’s groups, who argue that the current school calendar, changed after the pandemic, has exacerbated the situation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged the need to readjust the school calendar and has attributed the extreme temperatures to climate change.
The Philippines is not the only country in Asia grappling with extreme heat, as Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India have also experienced disruptions due to heatwaves. The impact of rising temperatures on everyday life underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the effects of global warming.
