With temperature soaring and nearing dangerous levels, the Schools Division Office-Muntinlupa under the Department of Education is studying to implement a combination of face-to-face classes and distance learning in public schools.
New Schools Division Superintendent Evangeline Ladines said consultation is being done by school officials with parents, students, and barangay stakeholders.
Public schools students in Muntinlupa (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)
The heat index in Muntinlupa reached 39 degree Celsius on April 25 (Photo from Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management)
If approved, the measure will be implemented in public elementary and high schools in Muntinlupa.
The Schools Division Office will announce the final decision on April 28.
“The health of our students and school personnel is a priority,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon about the possible implementation of an alternative mode of classes.
The heat index in Metro Manila soared to 42 Celsius in the past few days.
In Muntinlupa, the heat index reached 39 degree Celsius on April 25 with 33 degree Celsius in air temperate and 57 percent relative humidity, according to the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management.
According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), heat index “is a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body's ability to cool itself.”
The Muntinlupa City Health Office reminded the public to take care against the threat of heat stroke.
“Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down. The body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment,” according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The CHO reminded people to do the following:
- Drink plenty of water everyday
- Avoid drinking coffee, tea, and softdrinks
- Limit the time spent outside the home
- Wear hats, long sleeves, and any cover when outside
- Do heavy activities when the temperature is cool like in the morning or late afternoon