UP Diliman, UP Los Baños recommend shifting to online classes amid extreme heat

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) has recommended to its faculty members to shift to remote and or asynchronous classes during extreme heat conditions.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the UPD Office of the Chancellor said this is given the concerns raised by the UPD University Student Council due to the 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," it said.

UP Los Baños posted a similar announcement, that is, recommending remote classes.

"Faculty members are requested to consider shifting to remote and/or asynchronous modes of learning during extreme heat conditions on 11-13 April 2024."

"Those who cannot shift modes are requested to implement measures to mitigate the extreme heat during class hours."

Weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday the hot temperatures in the country are expected to be felt until mid-May.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja told GMA Integrated News that Metro Manila may record 40-41°C heat index on Thursday.

The heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels in contrast to the actual air temperature.

In areas experiencing dangerous level heat index, which is from 42°C to 51°C, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, according to PAGASA. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, weak but fast pulses, feeling of nausea, and vomiting.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier gave reminders on how to avoid heat stroke, especially in areas where there is a dangerous level of heat index.

These include drinking lots of water, refraining from leaving the house at noontime and doing so only in the morning or in the afternoon, and wearing light and loose clothing. —Sherylin Untalan/KG/BAP, GMA Integrated News