Philippine schools suspend classes due to extreme heat

Several areas in the Philippines have suspended in-person classes on Tuesday, April 23, with additional suspensions ongoing through Thursday, April 25, due to high heat index forecasts.

The state weather bureau warns that a dangerous heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius could cause health issues such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke.

Metro Manila's Pasay City has suspended all levels until Friday, April 26, for both public and private schools, while Quezon City halted classes in public schools only. On Thursday and Friday (April 25-26), Manila, Las Piñas, Paranaque, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Navotas, Muntinlupa, Pateros, Malabon, Cavite cities, Biñan, Laguna, and other regions also suspended face-to-face classes at various school levels.

Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Ilocos Region have implemented suspensions at various school levels across public and private institutions. Additionally, Imus City in Cavite has suspended all levels until Friday, April 26.

Central Luzon's Angeles City and San Fernando, Pampanga, as well as Bicol region's Milagros, Masbate, and Albay, have also halted classes in both public and private schools.

The Department of Health advises the public to limit time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and schedule heavy-duty activities for cooler parts of the day.