Manila Schools Shut Down Due To Extreme Heat

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Reasons Behind Manila School Closures Due to Extreme Heat

The recent heatwave has brought dangerously high temperatures to Manila. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses significant health risks for both children and adults, including heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. These risks prompted the necessary closures to prioritize the well-being of the school community.

• Specific temperature readings: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported temperatures consistently exceeding 38°C (100.4°F) for several consecutive days in Manila, with some areas reaching even higher levels. These extreme temperatures far surpassed the usual average for this time of year.
• Health concerns: Hospitals reported a surge in cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion among children and adults. The vulnerability of children to heat-related illnesses played a significant role in the decision to close schools.
• Meteorological agency statements: PAGASA issued multiple severe heat warnings, emphasizing the intensity and duration of the heatwave and advising the public to take necessary precautions.
• Increased hospital admissions: Data from major Manila hospitals showed a substantial increase in heat-related illness admissions during the period of extreme heat, further supporting the urgency of the school closures.

Impact on Students and the Educational System

The Manila school closures due to heat have caused significant disruption to the academic calendar. Thousands of students have been affected, facing challenges in maintaining learning continuity.

• Number of schools affected: Over 100 schools across Manila were forced to temporarily suspend classes, impacting tens of thousands of students.
• Duration of closures: The closures lasted for several days, with some schools extending the closure depending on the weather conditions.
• Strategies to minimize disruptions: Many schools attempted to mitigate learning disruptions by offering online classes, distributing learning materials, and providing alternative learning platforms. However, access to technology and reliable internet remains a challenge for many students, exacerbating existing inequalities.
• Widening educational inequalities: The school closures disproportionately affect students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may lack access to online resources or supportive learning environments at home, potentially widening existing educational inequalities. The potential for learning loss due to these disruptions is a serious concern.

Government and School Response to the Extreme Heat

The Manila government and individual schools implemented various measures to address the extreme heat and protect students and staff.

• Government actions: The Manila city government activated its emergency response plan, establishing cooling centers in public spaces and issuing public health advisories urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure. They also coordinated with schools to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
• School measures: Individual schools implemented various measures, including adjusting school hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, increasing hydration breaks, and cancelling outdoor activities. Some schools also invested in temporary cooling solutions for classrooms.
• Public awareness campaigns: The government and schools collaborated on public awareness campaigns promoting heat safety tips, emphasizing the importance of hydration, sun protection, and recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses.
• Future planning: The experience highlighted the need for long-term strategies and improved preparedness for future heatwaves, including better infrastructure and more robust emergency response plans.

Long-Term Implications and Climate Change Considerations

The Manila school closures underscore the growing impact of climate change in the Philippines. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, are projected to increase.

• Rising temperatures: Data shows a clear trend of rising temperatures in Manila and across the Philippines, indicating a worsening climate crisis.
• Climate change's role: The severity of the recent heatwave is consistent with the predicted effects of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• Climate-resilient schools: Investing in climate-resilient school infrastructure, including improved ventilation, shaded areas, and efficient cooling systems, is crucial to protect students and teachers from future heatwaves.

Conclusion

The extreme heatwave in Manila has resulted in widespread Manila school closures heat, disrupting education and highlighting the vulnerability of the educational system to the impacts of climate change. The situation necessitates immediate and long-term strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of students and teachers. This includes improved emergency response planning, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, and addressing existing inequalities in access to resources.

Call to Action: Stay informed about Manila school closures due to extreme heat by regularly checking official government websites and news sources. Understand the risks of extreme heat and take preventative measures to ensure your family’s safety during future heat waves. Let's work together to build more resilient communities and schools to better manage the effects of Manila school closures heat and protect our children's future.