Though the cool breeze of last month soothed us from the onslaught of headlines, March packed heat, literally and figuratively, leaving us to deal with significant events while dealing with the rising temperatures.

From major political events to the university news, here are the headlines that set March 2025 ablaze.

1. 2024 Cinema celebrated at the 97th Academy Awards

(Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach)

The 97th Academy Awards were held on March 3 in the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony presented a total of 23 awards and featured musical performances in between.

Anora, a film by Sean Baker, won five awards, including Best Picture. It also secured the award for Best Lead Actress for Mikey Madison, who played the title character.

Other major wins include Zoe Saldaña, who won Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Perez; Kieran Culkin with Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain; and Adrien Brody, with his second Oscar for Best Lead Actor in The Brutalist.

2. ‘Dangerous’ heat index levels force class suspensions

(Photo from Philippine Emergency Alerts)

Face-to-face classes were suspended on March 3 following warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that the heat index nationwide could reach dangerous levels.

The heat index indicates apparent temperature —how hot it actually feels when the air temperature is factored alongside humidity. On March 3, the heat index in Manila reached up to 46ºC, with other areas like Pampanga and Nueva Ecija reaching similar forecasts. As a result, classes in the National Capital Region and parts of Luzon were suspended. Some areas extended the suspensions until March 4.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has since advised schools to adjust class schedules or use online modes of instruction.

3. Nexperia workers end four-day strike

(Photo from NPIWU)

Workers of the semiconductor manufacturing firm Nexperia ended their strike on March 8 after an agreement with their employer.

The company’s labor union, Nexperia Philippines Incorporated Workers’ Union (NPIWU), initially asked for a P150 daily wage increase in the parties’ collective bargaining agreement (CBA). However, the CBA reached a deadlock when Nexperia insisted on a P550 monthly wage increase instead.

Further negotiations between the NPIWU and Nexperia failed to reach an agreement; thus, the strike began on March 5. It ended only after the union and Nexperia agreed on a P50 daily wage increase and the reinstatement of two union officers.

NPIWU, however, said they would still seek the reinstatement of other laid-off members.

4. Former president Duterte arrested, flown to The Hague

(Photo by Peter Dejong)

On March 11, former president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and flown to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. Duterte had just returned from Hong Kong when local police intercepted his arrival.

His first appearance —albeit digitally—before the ICC was on March 14, where the charges against him were read. The second hearing to confirm the charges against Duterte will be held in September this year.

Family members and supporters of the former President have since expressed dissatisfaction with the arrest. Vice President Sara Duterte visited her father in the Netherlands, where she has been staying in hopes of bringing him home.

5. Le Sserafim make their return with burning ‘HOT’ EP

(Photo from Source Music Entertainment)

K-Pop girl group Le Sserafim made their comeback on March 14 with HOT, the group’s fifth extended play (EP) record.

The EP’s title track HOT reminds fans of the group’s signature sound and message. The song is a danceable pop track, albeit more laid-back, featuring lyrics that focus on self-love, which Le Sserafim have been sharing since their debut days.

HOT has five tracks, solidifying Le Sserafim’s sound and empowering messages. Fans look forward to hearing these live as the group begins their ‘EASY, CRAZY, HOT’ world tour, which will have its Philippine stop in August.

6. House of Representatives question content creators over ‘fake news’

(Screenshot from the House of Representatives livestream)

The House of Representatives called several content creators for a third session on their investigation on disinformation online on March 21.

One of the content creators was Krizette Chu, a lifestyle editor for the Manila Bulletin, who has a sizable online following. Chu apologized after a post of hers, which alleged the resignation of police officers after Duterte’s arrest, was refuted. Another blogger, MJ Quiambao, became emotional after being criticized for her posts calling the victims of extrajudicial killings a “hoax.”

This hearing was the third in a series of House probes into disinformation. Other notable creators were compelled to show up but were absent. The House has since warned them that they risk being held in contempt if they continue to snub the proceedings.

7. UST Faculty Union officially files notice of strike with DOLE

(Photo by Justine Xyrah Garcia)

The UST Faculty Union (USTFU) filed a notice of strike with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on March 26 after a deadlock in its CBA negotiations.

USTFU President Emerito Gonzales and other union representatives filed the notice. The stalled negotiations were partly due to the University's and the union's disagreement over management’s refusal to release the proceeds from the tuition fee increase to the faculty. The parties were also at an impasse regarding the University’s proposed healthcare benefits.

UST released a statement following the notice of the strike, emphasizing its commitment to faculty development and employee well-being. They also stressed the importance of managing its resources while keeping up with labor negotiations.

9. UST Junior Basketball teams snag historic UAAP championships

(Photos from the UAAP Media Team)

The University’s girls' and boys' basketball teams made history by winning the championship trophy in their respective categories.

The UST Junior Growling Tigresses secured their first official UAAP championship on March 20 after winning against the National University - Nazareth School Lady Bullpups. The game ended with a score of 63-57. Individual members also received awards, like Barby Dajao, who won Finals MVP and Season MVP. This marks the team’s first official championship.

Meanwhile, the boys' basketball team, UST Tiger Cubs, scored a come-from-behind win against the National University - Nazareth School on March 27. After three games, the team earned the championship, the last going into overtime with a final score of 83-77. This marks the boys' team’s first championship after 24 years.

10. UST Junior Golden Booters wins first UAAP championship

(Photo by Kurt Andre Trinidad)

March was just a good month for the University’s young sports teams. The UST Golden Booters won their first championship trophy for the UAAP Season 87 Juniors’ Football tournament. The team defeated the 12-season defending champions, the Far Eastern University – Diliman Baby Tamaraws, 2–1, on March 29.

Senior player Josh Moleje scored the first goal in the 40th minute, while defender James Sunog scored the second in the 69th minute. Moleje was awarded best midfielder of the season, while center-back Stephen Flores was hailed finals MVP.

It feels like everything unfolded at once in March. Paired with the heat, it can easily become overwhelming. Still, it’s important to keep an eye on the news while taking time to hydrate and take it all in. After all, there’s still a long year ahead.