Makati, other cities adjust class schedules due to high Heat Index

The city of Makati has announced that changes will be implemented on class schedules following the consistent high level of Heat Index in Metro Manila.

According to the "24 Oras" report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on Wednesday, classes in public schools in Makati City have been adjusted to 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for morning classes and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for afternoon classes.

A parent, however, complained about the new schedule.

“Alas tres ng hapon, doon pa lang sila papasok, ganoon.  Tapos ang init-init doon sa room, tapos tsaka sila aabutin ng gabi,” said the mother of a Grade 2 student in Makati.

(At three in the afternoon, that’s only when they go to school. Then it’s so hot in the room, then they’ll stay until the nighttime)

Makati Mayor Abby Binay, meanwhile, said the changes to the schedule were data-driven and based on observed temperatures between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The weather bureau, through weather specialist Benison Estareja said, the temperature is expected to be higher next month.

“Pagsapit ng Mayo, may mga lugar na naglalaro between 48 hanggang 51 degrees Celsius ang ating heat index… Dito sa nare-record natin sa PAGASA, yung ating mga actual temperatures are maximum or pinakamatataas pa rin between the times of 10 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m. Medyo nasasakop pa rin yung mga times na pumapasok pa rin yung ating mga estudyante,” said Estareja.

(When May arrives, there are places that will have heat indexes between 48 to 51 degrees Celsius… Based on our records in PAGASA, our actual temperatures are maximum or peaking between that time of 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It still covers our students’ time for going to school).

The availability of classrooms is also considered in Makati City.

Binay also said that classes cannot be conducted simultaneously due to the lack of classrooms.

Similar class schedule adjustments have also been implemented in San Juan City.

Meanwhile, the Manila local government is preparing a Heat Index Action Plan Matrix to determine action plans, as well as suspensions of classes and work, based on the predicted heat index.

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council President Francis Zamora has recommended a discussion on the matter on Friday.

“Hihingin ko ang opinyon ng ating mga kapwa mayors sapagkat posibleng iba-iba ang sitwasyon kada paaralan at kada lungsod din,” said Zamora.

(I will ask for the opinion of our fellow mayors because it’s possible that situations are different for every school and every city) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News