The high temperature and the danger-level heat index of 42°C, has already affected our personal routines. It has also triggered the suspension of classes in more areas in seven regions, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to switch to alternative modes of learning delivery, such as online classes, to ensure the continuity of learning.
The sweltering heat, which is expected to become more intense in the summer months of April to May, can affect the learning competencies of our children.
According to a survey conducted by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-National Capital Region (ACT-NCR) 87 percent of teachers in Metro Manila believe that if face-to-face classes are held, the effectiveness of teaching and learning is hampered significantly. The same survey showed that 77 percent of respondents struggle with the stifling heat in the classrooms; and only 46 percent of classrooms have one or two electric fans to provide sufficient ventilation.
A shortage of health facilities and school personnel, and overcrowding due to the large class sizes, have also been cited as problems. The survey also revealed the health problems among the school population: 87 percent of students have allergies and asthma, while 26 percent of the teachers reported having hypertension.
Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is computed considering air temperature and humidity, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Because of the high temperatures and higher heat index in many areas, local government units and school heads — aside from the Department of Education officials — have also been given the authority to declare suspension of classes.
High temperature index of 42°C, which is already in the danger level, have been reported by the PAGASA in many places on March 31, such as Northern Samar, Camarines Sur, Cagayan, Zamboanga City, and Camarines Norte, where the heat index ranged from 42 to 45°C; and in Bacolod City and other parts of Negros Occidental.
We need action to deal with this problem now and in the near future, including the start of the next school year. Among the recommendations presented by teachers’ groups are: the building of adequate classrooms with proper ventilation, avoiding large classes that cause overcrowding, hiring more support personnel like health workers who will manage in-school health facilities, and providing more water fountains around the school.
While we cannot change weather patterns, our education authorities have been implementing a change in the academic calendar to return to the old June to March school calendar. In DepEd Order No. 003 s. 2024 dated Feb. 19, the start of classes for school year 2024-2025 is on July 29, 2024 and the end of classes on May 16, 2025. The order also advanced the end of classes of the current year by two weeks, on May 31 instead of June 14.
The gradual shift aims to have a June school opening by SY 2026-2027 and be closer to the old April-May school break.
Our pressing concern is to pay more attention to protecting ourselves and our children from the sweltering heat. Listen to common sense: Hydrate; avoid going out of the house at noontime; wear light and loose clothing; monitor your body condition. Heat stroke can be fatal.
Cope sensibly with summer heat. Keep cool and safe.