Philippines Suspends In-Person Classes Due to Extreme Heat and Nationwide Strike
In response to the latest heat index forecast and the announcement of a nationwide transport strike, the education department in the Philippines has decided to implement asynchronous classes/distance learning in all public schools nationwide on April 29 and 30, 2024.
Extreme Heat Forces Suspension of In-Person Classes
The decision to suspend in-person classes in public schools on Monday and Tuesday was made due to the extreme heat and the nationwide strike by jeepney drivers. The capital city of Manila recently experienced its highest-ever temperature, with the heat index reaching 45 degrees Celsius.
- Many schools in the country lack air-conditioning, leading to discomfort for students in poorly ventilated classrooms.
- The months of March, April, and May are typically the hottest and driest in the Philippines, with this year’s conditions worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Glaiza Escullar from the state weather forecaster warned that temperatures may continue to rise until the second week of May.
Nationwide Strike by Jeepney Drivers
Aside from the extreme heat, the suspension of offline classes is also attributed to a planned three-day nationwide strike by jeepney drivers. The strike aims to protest the government’s plan to phase out the smoke-belching vehicles commonly used for commuting.
Despite the challenging conditions, citizens in the Philippines sought relief from the hot weather by visiting air-conditioned shopping malls and swimming pools.