LIST: Metro Manila LGUs announce class adjustments amid heat wave
Various local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) are implementing class adjustments to protect students amid the extreme heat.
According to PAGASA's heat index forecast as of March 3, 5 p.m., temperatures in Metro Manila will sizzle to 38°C to 39°C in Science Garden Quezon City and 39°C to 40°C in NAIA PAsay City in the next two days.
On Monday, March 3, several cities in NCR suspended their respective classes as the region and two provinces in Luzon were forecasted to have heat indexes in the "danger" status.
Some local governments have announced measures as warmer temperatures start to roll in.
San Juan City
San Juan city mayor Francis Zamora issued Executive Order No. FMZ-193, Series of 2025, which adjusts the class schedules for all public schools, including city child development centers, due to the extreme heat.
Starting March 4, morning classes in the city will be held from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while afternoon classes will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"This adjustment aims to minimize students' exposure to the hottest hours of the day (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses," Zamora wrote.
Students will also be given supplemental academic activities to complete at home during the remaining school hours to ensure continuous learning.
Meanwhile, class suspensions and time arrangements for private elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and universities are up to the respective school administrations.
Marikina City
In Marikina City, mayor Marcy Teodoro signed Executive Order 05, which declares the suspension of face-to-face classes when the heat index reaches 42°C or higher, based on data provided by PAGASA.
Educational institutions—private or public—will shift to "alternative delivery modality in all levels" during these days..
Marikina's EO shall remain in effect until such time that the heat index subsides to safe levels.
Manila
While Manila mayor Honey Lacuna has not issued an EO yet, she has declared classes in all levels in public and private schools in the city suspended on March 4.
Schools are advised to shift to alternative learning modalities as the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office forecasts the heat index to reach a peak of 43°C.
Heat Index is the level of heat or discomfort a person experiences due to the air temperature and relative humidity, or the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.
PAGASA has released a classification threshold, adapted from the United States' National Weather Service, on how the heat index can affect a person.
27°C to 32°C – Caution
- Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity.
- Continuing activity could lead to heat cramps.
32°C to 41°C – Extreme Caution
- Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
- Continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.
41°C to 54°C – Danger
- Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely.
- Heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
54°C and beyond – Extreme Danger
- Heat stroke is imminent.
In preventing heat-related illnesses (e.g. heat stroke) due to the high heat index, PAGASA has urged Filipinos to limit the time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it's cooler.
But if an emergency arises, PAGASA said one must observe the following:
- Move the person to a shady spot and lie them down with legs elevated.
- If conscious, have them sip cool water.
- Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation.
- Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
- Bring to a hospital immediately.
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