Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)-Manila students held a rally on its Sta. Mesa campus on May 5 to protest the lack of facilities amid the intense heat. They are holding the PUP administration accountable for its failure to address the students’ grievances.

In recent weeks, Metro Manila has recorded an average heat index of 42°C-45°C, which falls under the “dangerous” category. In response, the PUP administration amended its policy on holding classes.

According to Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2025, issued on May 2, if PAGASA declares the heat index as “dangerous,” face-to-face and physical classes will be canceled and shifted online. PUP will give only a few considerations for classes that require face-to-face instruction.

According to the League of Filipino Students (LFS)-PUP, the policy PUP issued is insufficient and requires an “emergency heat response” to address this condition. “Our calls include the immediate repair of the North Wing of the Main Building to increase the university’s facilities,” the group said.

They are also pushing for additional funding to ensure safe, just, and quality learning. The administration should address the modernization of facilities and the implementation of proper ventilation in classrooms. They also condemned the Marcos regime’s neglect and budget cuts to state universities and colleges, resulting in facility inadequacies.

Since April, students have been complaining about the extreme heat that repeatedly shifted the mode of learning online. “Until now, the PUP administration still has no clear and concrete plan to ensure the safety of the Iskolar ng Bayan (Scholars of the People) from the dangers of a high heat index,” said LFS-PUP.

They demand the PUP administration to immediately address their grievances to improve the education of students.

In addition, LFS-PUP hold accountable giant corporations and US imperialist for the plunder of natural resources, which causes relentless environmental destruction resulting in more intense heat.

At the end of the PUP students’ protest, student leaders symbolically doused themselves with water. They urged fellow students to join the #BeatTheHeatChallenge campaign as a way to hold the administration accountable.