MANILA, Philippines — In-person classes in all public schools in elementary and high schools in the City of Manila, as well as in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Universidad de Manila, are suspended from Thursday to Friday, May 2 to 3, due to the scorching heat.
In an advisory posted on the Facebook page of Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan on Wednesday, she said public schools may adopt “any alternative mode of learning” as they deem appropriate.
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“Suspension of face-to-face classes for private schools in all levels, as well as national public institutions of higher education, shall be left to the discretion of their school administration,” the announcement read.
However, Lacuna-Pangan still encouraged all schools to implement any alternative mode of learning they deem appropriate.
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Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s heat index forecast for May 2, the heat index in Metro Manila may reach up to 43 degrees Celsius.
This falls under the “danger” category of heat indices, where people may experience heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.