In response to excessive heat, in-person classes have been suspended in all public schools across the Philippines. The country’s Department of Education issued this directive, which was announced in an advisory posted on the agency’s official Facebook page.
The decision came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted that over 30 areas might experience dangerous heat indices ranging from 42 to 51°C on April 29.
In light of this announcement, teaching and non-teaching staff in various public schools in the Philippines have been instructed not to report physically to their offices during the period of school suspension.
Furthermore, another contributing factor to the suspension is the nationwide transportation strike by jeepney drivers scheduled from April 29 to May 1. This strike is in response to the government’s plan to phase out smoke-belching vehicles, which many Filipinos rely on for transportation to work and school.
It said, “In view of the latest heat index forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the announcement of a nationwide transport strike, all public schools nationwide shall implement asynchronous classes/distance learning on April 29 and 30, 2024.”
“Likewise, teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools shall not be required to report to their respective stations.
“However, activities organized by Regional and Schools Division Offices, such as Regional Athletic Association Meets and other division or school-level programmes, to be conducted on the aforementioned dates may push through as scheduled, provided that measures for the safety of all participants have been carefully considered.”