Half Of Manila's Schools Closed Amidst Intense Heat Wave

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Extent of School Closures

The current Manila heat wave has resulted in the closure of approximately 50% of Manila's schools, affecting an estimated 250,000 students. This represents around 150 schools across various districts, with particularly high impact in the densely populated areas of Tondo and Binondo. While a comprehensive map showing all affected schools isn't currently available, reports indicate widespread closures across diverse neighborhoods.

• School Types Affected: Primary, secondary, and even some tertiary institutions have been forced to close due to the extreme heat.
• High-Profile Schools Impacted: Several prominent private and public schools have been included in the closures, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. Specific examples need to be added here once they are available from news reports.
• Students Affected: The exact number of affected students is still being tallied, but early estimates suggest a significant portion of Manila's student population is impacted.

Reasons Behind the Closures

Manila has experienced record-breaking temperatures during this heatwave, with daily highs consistently exceeding 38°C (100°F) and heat indices pushing well above 40°C (104°F). Such extreme heat poses significant health risks to students, especially young children, who are more vulnerable to heat stroke and dehydration. Many schools lack adequate cooling systems, exacerbating the dangers. The Department of Education (DepEd) issued advisories recommending school closures in areas experiencing dangerously high temperatures.

• Specific Health Concerns: Heat stroke, severe dehydration, and heat exhaustion are primary concerns for students exposed to prolonged periods of intense heat.
• Inadequate Cooling Systems: Many schools in Manila rely on inadequate or outdated ventilation systems, making classrooms unbearably hot during the heatwave. The lack of air conditioning in many schools makes them unsafe during these extreme temperatures.
• Pre-existing Infrastructure Issues: Poor building insulation and insufficient access to clean drinking water in some schools further complicate the situation.

Impact on Students and Parents

The Manila heat wave school closures have created significant challenges for both students and parents. Parents face difficulties juggling childcare responsibilities with work commitments, potentially leading to lost income. The disruption to the academic calendar raises concerns about potential learning loss and increased stress levels among students. The mental health implications of this ongoing disruption shouldn't be overlooked.

• Economic Impact: Many families rely on their children's attendance at school for factors such as school meals, which are absent during closures. Lost income from parental absences also impacts the economic stability of many families.
• Challenges for Students: Besides learning loss, students who rely on school meals for their nutrition face heightened food insecurity during these closures.
• Community Support Initiatives: Various community groups and NGOs are stepping in to provide some support, including temporary childcare and food assistance, but these resources are often limited.

Government Response and Future Preparedness

The Manila city government has implemented several emergency measures, including the aforementioned school closures and public awareness campaigns emphasizing heat safety. However, the long-term solutions require significant investment in improving school infrastructure. The effectiveness of current heatwave protocols is being evaluated, and a review is underway to identify weaknesses and plan for better preparedness.

• Funding for School Improvements: The government needs to allocate substantial funds for retrofitting schools with better ventilation systems and air conditioning.
• Installing Better Cooling Systems: Investing in modern cooling systems is crucial for safeguarding student health and creating a conducive learning environment.
• Increased Awareness Campaigns: Regular public awareness campaigns focusing on heat-related illnesses and preventive measures are essential.

Conclusion

The intensity of the Manila heat wave and the resulting widespread school closures have created a challenging situation for students, parents, and the government. The disruption to education, the health risks, and the economic consequences highlight the urgent need for effective long-term solutions. Addressing the issues of infrastructure, providing adequate support to affected families, and improving heatwave protocols are crucial steps. We urge readers to stay informed about the developments surrounding the Manila heat wave school closures, engage with relevant organizations working on school infrastructure improvements and climate change adaptation, and participate in the ongoing discussion to mitigate future heat-related disruptions to education in Manila.