Extreme heat caused the class suspension in some schools in Metro Manila yesterday, according to the Department of Education (DepEd). Among the cities that stopped face-to-face classes are Manila, Malabon, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Pasay. In Valenzuela and Caloocan, schools moved to blended or asynchronous learning, while in San Juan, a new class schedule from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Due to the high heat index, some cities in Pampanga such as Angeles and San Fernando has suspended afternoon classes. No class cancellations have been reported in other parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, but the DepEd is already implementing the remote learning options as an alternative method of teaching. Many groups have called again to bring back the old school calendar, because the current August-to-June schedule is said not to fit the climate of the country.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), temperatures reaching 42-51°C can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. To prevent this, the public is advised to drink plenty of water, avoid soft drinks, and alcohol, and limit sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Should also wear fresh clothes and use heat protection such as umbrella and sunblock.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said that temporary suspension of classes is not enough to solve the problem of extreme heat in schools. According to ACT Chairman Vladimer Quetua, the government should immediately fund emergency cooling measures and speed up the construction of climate-resilient classrooms. style="font-weight: 400;">. It is also necessary to increase funding for school infrastructure to meet the lack of 250,000 classrooms in the country.
The labor groups also called for the implementation of heat breaks in workplaces to prevent heat-related illnesses among workers. According to TUCP President Raymond Mendoza, hazard pay should be made mandatory for workers exposed to extreme heat. It is also supported by Federation of Free Workers President Sonny Matula, who said that "heat leave" should be included in collective bargaining agreements of employees.
