Students to endure hot days as they return to school after Holy Week

Students going back to school after the Holy Week break face an additional test: enduring the sweltering heat.

According to Katrina Son's report on 24 Oras, state weather bureau PAGASA said the heat index in Metro Manila can reach up to 38 to 41 degrees Celsius for next week.

In the province of Capiz, the heat index is predicted to reach 48 degrees Celsius, which is considered a dangerous level that can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Faced with this challenge, mothers have adopted strategies to help their children.

“’Yung baon yung sando, yung bimpo, yung alcohol, yung extra face mask, yung mga notebook, crayons, kumpleto na po,” said Jing Candari.

(I packed a change of shirt, a hand towel, alcohol, an extra facemask, as well as notebooks and crayons. It’s complete.)

Jing said that she is being extra cautious for her child, not only because of the hot weather but also due to the threat of pertussis or whooping cough.

Some parents called on the Department of Education to allow their children to take online classes.

The DepEd earlier said that school heads have the authority to suspend classes on days that are too hot and to take the necessary steps to help students catch up on lessons.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News