UP-Diliman faculty urged to consider online classes amid heat

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines – Diliman (UPD) asked faculty members on Wednesday to consider shifting to remote or asynchronous classes due to the intense heat felt throughout the nation.

“In view of the concerns raised by the UPD University Student Council regarding extreme heat in Metro Manila in the coming days, faculty members whose class activities may be done online are requested to consider shifting to remote and/or asynchronous modes of learning during extreme heat conditions,” the UPD Office of the Chancellor said in an announcement.According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the heat index in Quezon City was expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday, which falls under the “extreme caution” category.

Some local government units in Metro Manila have also implemented heat mitigation measures in schools, such as the suspension of afternoon classes or the shortening of class periods  to spare students from the sweltering heat.

The Department of Education likewise authorized school authorities to suspend classes when temperatures rise above normal levels.