The increase of the heat index in the Philippines has really raised alarms, particularly for students, teachers, and parents, as temperatures become uncomfortably and even dangerously high. The Department of Education (DepED) has made a call to suspend face-to-face classes in both public and private schools in several regions.  Is it the right move when health and safety are on the line first? Should the education system adapt or not push through at the cost of well-being?

The class suspension is not just about being uncomfortable in a hot classroom. It's about health-related illnesses like heat stroke, dehydration, and even exhaustion; these conditions could seriously harm both students and teachers. As a result, on March 7, 2025, some areas across the country, especially Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region, suspended face-to-face classes due to extreme temperatures. 

The capital, Metro Manila itself, was one of the places hit. There were schools that chose to make adjustments by limiting classes only to the mornings, while others suspended afternoon classes. Even in cooler places, authorities take a pause before deciding to bring back face-to-face classes by March 2025. It's a clear sign that no place is totally safe from the impact of climate change. 

Luckily, DepEd is not entirely suspending classes and leaving it at that. Education Secretary Sonny Angara has proposed a rearranged class schedule to continue learning while reducing risk. Classes from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the morning, followed by asynchronous learning during the hottest parts of the day, then voluntary afternoon sessions from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. This is a great, adjustable solution. It recognizes the danger while still appreciating education. Schools have been instructed to leave windows open, clear obstructions to airflow, and introduce additional fans or cooling systems where feasible. Clean drinking water and first-aid kits are now essentials, not an afterthought. 

The reality is, education needs to be flexible in times of crisis. The extreme heat we're facing is not just a passing inconvenience; it's a part of a wider, international climate crisis. If we do not begin to adapt our systems immediately, we will be surprised repeatedly.

In conclusion, DepEd's fast action to address the increasing heat index is not only justified but also reflects the agency's prioritizing of health without compromising on learning. This type of leadership we require when the environment becomes unpredictable. It's a reminder that in this new normal, resilience is just as important as routine.