Philippines Grapples with Extreme Heat as Schools Close Amid Climate Crisis

As the dry season scorches the Philippines, nearly half of Metro Manila’s schools have shut their doors, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. On 3 March, local officials suspended classes as the heat index breached the ‘danger’ threshold of 42-51 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). This is not a new phenomenon—last year saw similar closures—but the recurring crisis has reignited debates over the government’s readiness to tackle the intensifying impacts of climate change.

The Philippines, perched in a typhoon-prone region of Southeast Asia, is among the world’s most vulnerable nations to global warming. From super typhoons to prolonged droughts, extreme weather events are a grim reality. While the National Climate Action Plan (2011-2028) outlines broad strategies for adaptation and mitigation, critics argue it lacks specificity, particularly in addressing heat waves. With no comprehensive national heat action plan in place, local governments and schools are left scrambling to respond, often resorting to temporary measures like class suspensions.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks

This year’s heat wave, which echoes last year’s crisis, has exposed systemic gaps in preparedness. Pagasa’s heat index categorisation—ranging from ‘caution’ at 27-32 degrees Celsius to ‘extreme danger’ above 52 degrees Celsius—provides a framework for advisories. Yet, as temperatures hit the ‘danger’ zone in early March, the response was reactive rather than preventive. Schools across Metro Manila closed, disrupting education for millions of students already grappling with a national learning crisis.

Beyond education, the heat wave poses severe risks to vulnerable groups, including outdoor workers like construction labourers and delivery riders. Heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion and heatstroke are on the rise, with little in the way of national guidance to protect those most exposed. A recent report by Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, ranked the Philippines third in Asia for “unusual heat” linked to climate change over the past three months. The study noted 74 days of temperatures at Climate Shift Index level 2 or higher, indicating a strong likelihood that such extremes are driven by global warming.

Education Under Strain

The impact on students is particularly acute. Class suspensions, while necessary for safety, exacerbate existing challenges in the Philippine education system. Public schools, often underfunded, lack the infrastructure to cope with extreme weather. Many classrooms are without air conditioning, and ventilation is inadequate, making learning environments unbearable during heat waves. As Manuel B. Garcia argued in a September 2024 article in the Journal of Public Health and Emergency, the government must prioritise upgrading school facilities with green building materials and designs that naturally regulate temperature.

Garcia also highlighted the need for investment in technology to support remote learning when in-person classes are disrupted. Blended learning initiatives and a gradual return to the traditional school calendar are steps in the right direction, but they fall short of addressing the root issues. “Students can’t afford to fall further behind” Garcia warned in his critique, pointing to the broader learning crisis that has plagued the country for years.

Compounding these challenges are allegations of mismanagement within the Department of Education. Reports of corruption—ranging from overpriced laptops to fictitious student enrolments—have raised questions about where education budgets are being allocated. If substantiated, such misuse of funds could have dire consequences, diverting resources from critical infrastructure projects like modern, climate-resilient school buildings.

A Call for a National Heat Action Plan

The absence of a national heat action plan remains a glaring omission in the Philippines’ climate strategy. While the National Climate Action Plan provides a overarching framework, it lacks actionable measures for heat-specific crises. Local initiatives, such as Manila’s proposed heat action plan matrix developed after last year’s heat wave, show promise but are fragmented and limited in scope. Without a coordinated national effort, responses remain piecemeal, varying widely between regions and sectors.

Earlier this month, Malacañang announced it was collaborating with the Department of Health and Pagasa to draft a heat wave action plan. However, progress appears slow, with officials reportedly still in the data-collection phase. For many, this pace is frustrating, especially as the dry season intensifies and the threat of further disruptions looms. “Hopefully, it would not take another year and several class suspensions before the government can finally get its act together” noted a local commentator on social media, reflecting widespread impatience.

If developed, a national plan could set clear guidelines for heat alert levels, mandate protective measures for outdoor workers, and allocate funding for climate-resilient infrastructure in schools. It could also integrate Pagasa’s heat index advisories into a proactive decision-making framework, allowing local governments and institutions to act before conditions become hazardous.

Climate Vulnerability and Global Context

The Philippines’ geographical position in the tropical Pacific makes it a frontline state in the battle against climate change. Super typhoons, rising sea levels, and extreme heat are not abstract threats but lived experiences for millions. The country’s vulnerability is compounded by socioeconomic factors—poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources hinder adaptation efforts. While wealthier nations debate carbon targets, Filipinos face the immediate consequences of a warming planet.

Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, with 2024 already marked as one of the hottest years on record. For the Philippines, historical weather data suggests that conditions will only worsen as summer approaches. Climate Central’s findings underscore this trajectory, warning that “unusual heat” events are no longer anomalies but part of a new normal. If unaddressed, these trends could have cascading effects on public health, economic productivity, and social stability.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Addressing the heat wave crisis requires more than short-term fixes. Long-term solutions—such as redesigning school buildings, protecting outdoor workers, and integrating climate resilience into national policy—demand significant investment and political will. The government’s ongoing efforts to draft a heat action plan are a start, but speed and scope are critical. Without urgent action, the cycle of class suspensions and health risks will persist, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable.

Public sentiment, as gauged through social media platforms like X, reflects a mix of frustration and cautious hope. Many Filipinos are calling for accountability, urging leaders to prioritise climate adaptation over political posturing. Others point to community-led initiatives—such as local cooling centres and grassroots awareness campaigns—as models for resilience in the absence of national coordination.

As the dry season unfolds, the question remains: can the Philippines transform this crisis into an opportunity for meaningful change? With millions of students, workers, and families bearing the brunt of extreme heat, the stakes could not be higher. The coming months will test whether the government can deliver on its promises or if another year of disruption lies ahead.