Heat Wave Forces Manila School Closures: Bangkok Post

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Severity of the Heat Wave in Manila

The extreme heat in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, reached dangerous levels. For several days, temperatures soared to record-breaking highs, far exceeding typical averages for this time of year. The Bangkok Post reported sustained temperatures above 40°C (104°F), with heat indices pushing even higher. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued multiple heat warnings, urging residents to take precautions.

• Record-breaking temperatures: Daily high temperatures consistently exceeded 40°C (104°F) for a week.
• Duration of the heat wave: The intense heat lasted for over seven consecutive days, placing immense strain on the population.
• Impact on public health: Hospitals reported a significant surge in heatstroke cases and heat-related illnesses, overwhelming emergency services.

Impact on School Operations and Students

The extreme heat led to the widespread closure of schools in Manila, a decision impacting thousands of students. While some schools closed independently due to safety concerns, a city-wide directive ultimately halted classes. This disruption had far-reaching consequences for both students and their families.

• Disruption of academic schedules: The closures caused significant delays in the academic calendar, potentially affecting examination schedules and overall learning progress.
• Increased childcare burden on parents: With schools shut, parents faced the challenge of childcare, particularly those with young children or without access to alternative care arrangements.
• Potential learning loss concerns: Extended school closures can lead to learning loss, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may lack access to alternative educational resources.
• Safety concerns for children exposed to the heat: The risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses was a significant factor in the decision to close schools. Children are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

Government Response and Measures Taken

The Philippine government responded to the crisis by implementing various measures to mitigate the heat wave's impact. These efforts included public health campaigns, the establishment of cooling centers, and the distribution of drinking water.

• Public health campaigns: PAGASA and the Department of Health (DOH) launched public awareness campaigns, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and seek medical attention if experiencing heatstroke symptoms.
• Provision of cooling centers: The government opened numerous cooling centers in public buildings to provide respite from the heat to vulnerable populations.
• Water distribution programs: Local governments distributed bottled water in affected areas to ensure access to clean drinking water, crucial during extreme heat.
• Emergency response plans: Emergency response teams were put on high alert to deal with heatstroke cases and other heat-related emergencies.

Long-Term Implications and Climate Change

The Manila school closures highlight the long-term implications of climate change for the Philippines. The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves pose serious risks to public health, education, and the economy.

• Increased frequency and intensity of heat waves: Climate change models predict that extreme heat events like this will become more common and severe in the future.
• Public health risks and vulnerabilities: The vulnerability of populations to extreme heat, especially children and the elderly, necessitates proactive measures to ensure safety.
• The need for climate change adaptation strategies: The Philippines needs to invest in climate change adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
• Potential impact on education and economic productivity: Recurring disruptions to school operations due to extreme heat can significantly impact education and economic productivity.

Conclusion: Understanding the Significance of Manila School Closures

The Manila school closures underscore the severe impact of extreme heat on daily life and the urgent need to address climate change. The heat wave disrupted education, placed a strain on families, and highlighted the public health risks associated with rising temperatures. The closures serve as a stark warning of the consequences of inaction on climate change. We must learn from this experience and support initiatives that mitigate the effects of climate change. Staying informed about potential future Manila school closures due to extreme weather, and understanding the potential for increased heat wave events, is crucial for the safety and well-being of our communities. Learn more about climate change and its effects, and support organizations working towards a sustainable future.