Philippines Suspends Classes in 47,000 Schools Amid Extreme Heat and Jeepney Strike

The Philippines will halt in-person classes in all 47,000 public schools nationwide for two days on April 29 and 30, 2024 due to extreme heat reaching 45°C and a nationwide jeepney drivers' strike protesting the government's plan to phase out the smoke-belching vehicles. The education department cited the latest heat index forecast and the announcement of the transport strike as the reasons for implementing asynchronous classes and distance learning during this period.

Many educational institutions in the Philippines lack air conditioning, leaving students to endure the sweltering conditions in crowded and poorly ventilated classrooms. The extreme heat has been scorching Southeast Asia in recent weeks, prompting thousands of schools to suspend in-person operations and authorities to issue health warnings.

The jeepney drivers plan to hold a three-day nationwide strike starting Monday to protest the government's phase-out plan for these vehicles, which are commonly used by Filipinos to commute to work and educational institutions. The hot weather has prompted people to seek relief in air-conditioned shopping malls and swimming pools, and the state weather forecaster has warned that the high temperatures are expected to persist until the second week of May.

Why this matters: The suspension of classes in the Philippines due to extreme heat and a transportation strike highlights the country's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. It also underscores the need for improved infrastructure and public transportation to ensure the safety and well-being of students and commuters.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported a temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Station in Pasay City on April 27, surpassing the previous record of 38.6 degrees Celsius set in 1915. "The heat indicator, or 'feels like' temperature, peaked at 45 degrees Celsius, making it unbearable for residents and commuters," PAGASA stated. Experts warn that the sweltering conditions are expected to persist until May, which is typically the hottest month of the year, exacerbated by the current warm and dry season and the lasting El Niño effect.

Key Takeaways

• Philippines to halt in-person classes on April 29-30, 2024 due to extreme heat and jeepney strike.
• Many schools lack air conditioning, leaving students to endure sweltering conditions in classrooms.
• Jeepney drivers to hold 3-day nationwide strike to protest government's phase-out plan for the vehicles.
• Extreme heat prompts people to seek relief in air-conditioned malls and pools, expected to persist.
• Suspension highlights Philippines' vulnerability to climate change, need for improved infrastructure and transport.