In-person classes have been suspended in all public schools in the Philippines due to excessive heat.

The country’s department of education made the announcement.

The decision was announced in an advisory posted on the agency’s official Facebook page after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) revealed that over 30 areas might experience a dangerous heat index ranging from 42 to 51°C on April 29.

The department informed teaching and non-teaching staff in the various public schools not to report physically to their offices during the school suspension dates.

It also revealed that another reason for the suspension was the nationwide transportation strike by jeepney drivers from April 29 to May 1, which was in response to the government’s plan to eliminate smoke-belching vehicles that many Filipinos rely on to get to work and school.

It said, “In view of the latest heat index forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the announcement of a nationwide transport strike, all public schools nationwide shall implement asynchronous classes/distance learning on April 29 and 30, 2024.”

“Likewise, teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools shall not be required to report to their respective stations. 

“However, activities organized by Regional and Schools Division Offices, such as Regional Athletic Association Meets and other division or school-level programmes, to be conducted on the aforementioned dates may push through as scheduled, provided that measures for the safety of all participants have been carefully considered.”