Philippines: Heatwave forces hundreds of schools to shut with classes moved online to beat
the heat
Source: News and Press Release Save the Children Posted 3 Apr 2024 Originally published 3 Apr 2024
MANILA, 3 April - Extreme heat in the Philippines has forced hundreds[1] of schools to shut as the
Southeast Asian nation’s government warns temperatures could soar further this week in more than half of
the country’s regions. The dangerous heatwave is putting children’s health and wellbeing at risk, with an
urgent need for global leaders to act to combat the climate crisis to protect education, said Save the
Children.
In the capital Manila, an announcement by the Division of City Schools[2] said that schools would be
allowed to suspend in-person classes or shift to online lessons due to the “high heat index currently
experienced in the country.” It added that teachers and students were allowed to wear more comfortable,
non-uniform clothing to combat the heat.
Temperatures in at least ten of the country’s 17 regions are expected to hit or exceed 42 °C by 4 April [3],
about 20 % higher than normal for April[4], or what the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) defines in its heatwave index as a ‘dangerous level’ [5]
March, April and May are typically the hottest months in the Philippines but this year weather conditions
have been exacerbated by the ongoing El Nino weather phenomenon which is expected to last until May.[6]
El Nino has warmed parts of the Pacific Ocean and has triggered extreme weather events such as
heatwaves.
Atty. Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines, said:
“Educators and local authorities have been forced to take the extreme decision to shut hundreds of schools
because this extreme heat means children are simply unable to concentrate in the classroom and their
health is also at risk. We need to see urgent action now to limit warming to a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-
industrial levels. Failing to do this will have dramatic consequences for children’s health, safety, and
wellbeing.”
Climate change is raising global temperatures and causing historic heat waves around the world with more
countries facing hotter days more frequently. One third of the word’s children -774 million - live with the
double threat of climate change and poverty.[7]
2023 was the world’s warmest year since records began in 1850 and saw global temperatures rise 1.18°C
(2.12°F) above the 20th-century average of 13.9°C (57.0°F).[8]
Limiting warming to 1.5 °C would reduce the number of people frequently exposed to extreme heatwaves
by about 420 million, with about 65 million fewer people exposed to exceptional heatwaves.[9]
Extreme heat poses unique risks at different stages of childhood. For example, children under age 5 are
the most at risk of increased heat-related mortality and morbidity, while extreme heat can have serious
effects on the mental well-being of all children.[10]
Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 with programs in humanitarian response,
health and nutrition, education, and children's rights and protection.
