In response to the extreme heatwaves that plagued the Philippines last year, many schools have been forced to adapt their schedules and infrastructure to protect students from soaring temperatures. Heatwaves caused by climate change, combined with the El Niño phenomenon, have had a significant impact on education, with millions of students losing valuable classroom time.
Kindergarten teacher Lolita Akim, from Senator Benigno S. Aquino Elementary School in Manila, is just one of many educators trying to keep her students engaged while combating the intense heat. Last year, six million students in the Philippines missed up to two weeks of school due to heat-related closures, and classrooms became unbearable as temperatures reached a record 38.8°C (101.4°F). Students suffered from heat exhaustion, nosebleeds, and even hospitalizations as they sat in classrooms without air conditioning.
This year, schools have implemented several measures to counteract the heat. The school year started two months earlier to avoid the peak heat of May, and class schedules have been adjusted to avoid midday lessons. Most schools now have water stations and oscillating wall fans installed in classrooms. Some newer buildings have heat-reflective roofs, and larger schools have hired nurses to monitor students’ well-being.
Despite these improvements, there are still significant challenges. The education department’s budget for climate adaptation is limited to 10 billion pesos (around $174 million), and the Philippines is grappling with a classroom shortage—18,000 new classrooms are needed in Manila alone. Many schools, including those in densely populated areas like Baseco, Manila, operate on a two-shift system with cramped classrooms. This exacerbates the heat problem, making it even harder for students to focus and learn.
For fifth-grader Ella Azumi Araza, the heat at school is difficult to bear. She studies in a small, windowless room at home on Fridays, but her mother still worries about the conditions at school, where she says her daughter often returns home coughing.
Though measures have been taken to provide some relief, such as allowing students to wear more comfortable clothing and providing portable fans, the struggle to keep students cool and motivated remains a challenge for teachers. As heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, these adaptations will become essential for ensuring that students’ education does not suffer further.
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