The Philippines heat wave has shut down schools across nearly half of Metro Manila as the country enters its scorching dry season. Local officials acted swiftly after the national weather service warned that the heat index—measuring both temperature and humidity—was set to hit danger levels in the capital and other regions.
With temperatures soaring, authorities cautioned that residents faced risks of heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. To protect students from the extreme heat, in-person classes were suspended in multiple districts, affecting millions of learners.
Soaring Temperatures Disrupt Education
Last year, a severe heat wave in the Philippines wreaked havoc on education, leading to almost daily school closures in April and May. During that period, Manila recorded its highest temperature on record—a blistering 38.8°C on April 27.
While Monday’s forecasted temperature was lower at 33°C (91.4°F), local governments in Manila and six other districts took a proactive approach, suspending face-to-face classes to prevent heat-related illnesses among students.
Education officials in Malabon district reported that the closure affected more than 68,000 students across 42 schools. “We were surprised by the heat index advisory,” said Edgar Bonifacio, a local education official. “We can’t feel the heat as much outside yet, but based on last year’s heat wave experience, we decided to suspend classes as a precaution.”
In Valenzuela district, the government took additional measures, directing 69 schools to shift to alternative learning methods, including online classes, to keep students safe while ensuring continued education.
Philippines Heat Wave: A Growing Climate Concern
The Philippines heat wave isn’t just a local issue—it’s part of a bigger global crisis. In 2024, global temperatures hit record highs, briefly surpassing the critical 1.5°C warming threshold identified by climate scientists.
According to UNICEF, extreme weather events—including heat waves—disrupted education for 242 million children across 85 countries last year. The Philippines remains one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change, with rising temperatures threatening not just education but also public health and daily life.
Decades of uncontrolled fossil fuel consumption have intensified climate change, making dry seasons hotter and storms stronger. As the Philippines heat wave worsens, experts warn that prolonged school closures could become a recurring problem, affecting millions of students and limiting educational progress.
With the dry season just beginning, the big question remains: How many more school days will be lost to extreme heat?
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