Heatwave Forces School Closures Across Half of Philippine Capital

MANILA, March 3, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Soaring temperatures caused the closure of schools in nearly half of the Philippine capital on Monday, local officials confirmed, as the sweltering dry season commenced in the tropical Southeast Asian nation.

A national weather service advisory warned that the heat index, which measures both air temperature and relative humidity, was expected to reach “danger” levels in Manila and two other regions of the country.

The advisory indicated that at these levels, “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely,” urging residents in the affected areas to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

A heatwave had already struck much of the Philippines in April and May last year, resulting in the frequent suspension of in-person classes, affecting millions of students. On April 27, Manila recorded a record temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F).

Although temperatures were forecast to reach only 33°C on Monday, local authorities in Manila and six other districts decided to close schools as a precautionary measure.

With a student population exceeding 2.8 million, according to the Department of Education, the closures had a significant impact on the city’s education system.

In Malabon district, education official Edgar Bonifacio reported that over 68,000 students across 42 schools were affected by the suspension. “We were surprised by the heat index advisory,” Bonifacio told AFP, adding, “We cannot feel the heat yet outside.”

However, following protocols established during last year’s heatwave, the district’s school superintendent recommended the suspension of in-person classes. “Our main concern is we’re near the end of the school year (mid-April),” Bonifacio noted. “This would mean a reduction in the number of school days available.”

In Valenzuela district, school official Annie Bernardo shared that the district’s 69 schools had been instructed to switch to “alternative” learning models, including online classes.

In 2024, global average temperatures reached record highs, briefly surpassing the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold. Earlier this year, the UN children’s agency UNICEF revealed that extreme weather conditions disrupted the schooling of approximately 242 million children across 85 countries, with heatwaves being the most impactful factor, particularly in the Philippines.

Human activities, such as the unchecked burning of fossil fuels over decades, have led to the warming of the planet, altering weather patterns. This has resulted in more extreme wet and dry periods, intensifying heatwaves and storms, and leaving populations increasingly vulnerable to such environmental disasters.

Context:

The ongoing heatwave in the Philippines reflects a growing global trend of rising temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, largely driven by climate change. With schooling disrupted by both heatwaves and storms, it becomes clear how climate change impacts education systems, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Philippines. The shift to alternative learning models highlights the need for flexibility in education during extreme weather, while also underscoring the urgent need for climate action to protect communities and ensure the continuation of vital services like schooling.