Metro Manila Educators Unite for Unified Class Suspensions During Extreme Heat Wave

In Manila, a group of teachers is urging the government to implement region-wide class suspensions whenever dangerous heat warnings are issued by PAGASA, the Philippine weather agency. This call comes after mixed responses from local government units (LGUs) regarding class suspensions in the face of extreme heat.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) highlighted that only about half of Metro Manila’s 17 LGUs decided to suspend in-person classes despite warnings of dangerously high temperatures on March 4. For instance, PAGASA reported that Quezon City could see a heat index reaching 46°C, a level categorized as “dangerous,” which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Currently, each LGU determines whether to suspend classes based on guidelines from the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 22, s. 2024. TDC’s Metro Manila chapter believes this leads to confusion and risks for students and teachers.

Jim Lester Beleno from TDC explained, “Metro Manila’s small size makes it easier to coordinate a unified class suspension compared to larger provinces. Right now, while one LGU may suspend classes, nearby areas may not.” This piecemeal approach can create inconsistencies that endanger students.

They are calling for DepEd to take charge and work with local governments to ensure a consistent and safe response to extreme heat. “A united system would help eliminate these disparities,” Beleno said.

In addition, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines has pointed out that simply suspending classes is not enough to address bigger problems. Chairperson Vladimer Quetua stated that the current infrastructure cannot handle the extreme weather, leaving classrooms uncomfortable and unsafe for students and teachers.

ACT listed five proposals aimed at improving the situation:

1. Release emergency funds for cooling solutions.
2. Speed up the building of climate-resilient classrooms.
3. Increase the budget for school infrastructure in 2026.
4. Set up clinics in every school with medical staff.
5. Establish heat emergency protocols in all educational settings.

The ongoing heat waves have significantly disrupted schooling in the Philippines over the last two years. While the DepEd encourages schools to switch to distance learning during class suspensions, many teachers feel that online learning doesn’t match the effectiveness of in-person education.

This loss of in-person learning time is a setback to national efforts to improve education quality, which has been stagnant in international comparisons. The situation calls for a comprehensive approach to ensure students’ well-being and guarantee that they continue to learn effectively, even amidst challenges posed by extreme heat.