A relentless wave of heat has swept across Luzon, prompting authorities to suspend face-to-face classes in multiple areas on Tuesday, 4 March, as the heat index reached dangerous levels. The state weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), forecasted a peak heat index of 42°C in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, while Quezon City’s Science Garden station recorded a still-stifling 38°C. With temperatures soaring, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued urgent warnings about the risk of heat-related illnesses, urging the public to take precautions.
The decision to halt in-person learning reflects growing concerns over the safety of students and staff amid extreme weather conditions. Images of elementary school pupils in Manila’s Baseco compound shielding themselves from the sun with shared umbrellas on Monday captured the severity of the situation, as classes were similarly suspended there a day earlier. This heatwave, part of a broader pattern of rising temperatures across the Philippines, underscores the immediate challenges faced by communities and the longer-term implications of climate change in the region.
Heat Index Reaches ‘Danger’ Levels
Pagasa’s heat index forecasts, which combine temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels, have classified conditions in parts of Luzon as falling within the ‘danger’ category. A heat index of 42°C, as predicted for Dagupan City, poses significant risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Even in urban centres like Quezon City, where the heat index was slightly lower at 38°C, the conditions remain hazardous for prolonged outdoor exposure. 
Local governments across Luzon acted swiftly in response to Pagasa’s warnings, prioritising public safety over the continuity of in-person education. While specific areas affected by the suspensions were not fully detailed in initial reports, the scale of the response indicates a widespread impact. Schools have shifted to alternative learning modes where possible, though this raises concerns about access to resources and the quality of education for students in less-equipped households.
Health Risks Prompt Urgent Advice
The Department of Health has been vocal in its efforts to mitigate the risks posed by the heatwave. In a recent statement, the DOH cautioned against heat-related illnesses, which can range from mild heat rash to life-threatening heatstroke. The public has been advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid beverages such as iced tea, soda, coffee, and alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration. Additionally, the DOH recommended limiting outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and using protective measures like hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen.
These guidelines are particularly critical for families with young children, who are less able to regulate their body temperature and more susceptible to heat stress. The poignant image of schoolchildren in Manila huddling under a single umbrella on their way home serves as a stark reminder of the immediate need for such precautions. For many in urban slums like Baseco compound, where access to cooling facilities or even reliable shade is limited, the heatwave poses an acute threat to daily life.
Broader Implications of Rising Temperatures
While the immediate focus remains on public safety, the current heatwave also highlights broader environmental and societal challenges facing the Philippines. The country, situated in a tropical zone, has long experienced hot and humid conditions, but the intensity and frequency of extreme heat events have increased in recent years, a trend scientists attribute to climate change. Rising global temperatures, coupled with urbanisation and deforestation, exacerbate the ‘urban heat island’ effect in cities like Manila, where concrete landscapes trap heat and push temperatures even higher.
For communities in Luzon, the suspension of classes is more than a temporary inconvenience; it reflects the growing disruption caused by climate-related events. Education, already strained by past crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, faces new hurdles as schools grapple with how to adapt to recurring heatwaves. Beyond education, the heat also impacts livelihoods, particularly for outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, and informal sectors, who often have no choice but to endure dangerous conditions.
The Philippine government has acknowledged the need for long-term strategies to address climate impacts, including investments in resilient infrastructure and public health systems. However, implementing such measures remains a challenge in a country where resources are often stretched thin and competing priorities—such as poverty alleviation and disaster response—demand attention. For now, the focus is on immediate relief, with local authorities and health officials working to ensure that the public is informed and protected during this period of extreme heat.
A Call for Awareness and Action
As Luzon braces for continued high temperatures, the current crisis serves as a wake-up call for both individuals and policymakers. Simple actions, such as staying hydrated and seeking shade, can make a significant difference in preventing heat-related illnesses. At the same time, there is an urgent need for community-level initiatives—such as providing cooling centres in vulnerable areas—and national policies that address the root causes of rising temperatures.
The sight of children walking home under shared umbrellas in Manila is a powerful image of resilience in the face of adversity, but it also underscores the inequities that shape how heatwaves are experienced. For those in impoverished areas, the burden of extreme weather is disproportionately heavy, with limited access to the resources needed to cope. As the Philippines navigates this heatwave, and the many more likely to come, ensuring that no one is left behind will be a critical test of its commitment to climate justice and public welfare.
