Due to an unprecedented nationwide transportation strike and soaring temperatures, the Philippines has made the decision to halt in-person classes across all public schools for two days, Monday and Tuesday, as announced by the Department of Education.
The scorching heat, exacerbated by a lack of air conditioning in many schools, has rendered classrooms unbearable for both students and teachers.
The capital city, Manila, experienced a record-breaking temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius (101.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, with the heat index peaking at 45 degrees Celsius. In response to the extreme weather conditions, the Department of Education declared asynchronous classes and distance learning for April 29 and 30, 2024, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Public transportation groups initiated a three-day nationwide strike to protest the government's proposal to phase out "jeepneys," a popular mode of public transportation for many Filipinos commuting to work and school, coinciding with this decision. These events underscore the challenges faced by the Filipino population amid the country's hottest and driest months of March, April, and May.
Glaiza Escullar, a representative from the state weather forecaster, warned that the entire nation, not just Metro Manila, should brace for hotter temperatures until the second week of May. These extreme weather patterns align with global trends, as evidenced by record-high temperatures worldwide, prompting the United Nations' weather and climate agency to highlight Asia's rapid warming.
The Philippines, already among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, faces escalating risks due to these intensifying weather phenomena. As the nation navigates these challenges, prioritizing the safety and education of its citizens remains paramount, necessitating adaptive measures such as distance learning during periods of extreme heat and transportation disruptions.
