With the expected rise in temperatures this summer season, the Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon has warned the public against the rise of heat-related illnesses.
In a Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) meeting held on March 6, DOH officials advised the public to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat.
“We have to be frequently hydrated, drink as much water as possible throughout the day, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke,” the agency said.
DOH Calabarzon has emphasized that prolonged exposure to heat may increase the risk of heat stroke, a serious health condition that might result in severe complications.
The high heat index in some parts of the region has prompted some local government units to suspend face-to-face classes, while others have shifted to online modular learning.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has also approved the implementation of schedule adjustments to ensure the safety of students and school personnel amid the high temperature.
Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Calabarzon has urged local DRRM offices to intensify public information campaigns and advisories on heat-related illness prevention.
According to state weather bureau Pagasa, temperatures in the region are expected to remain high for the rest of the week, with extreme caution about heat index levels.
PAGASA said prolonged activity and exposure could lead to heat cramps and exhaustion, which may lead to heat stroke.
The state weather bureau continues to advise the public to monitor weather updates and follow safety guidelines to prevent heat-related health risks.
Near-danger levels
Local weather monitoring sites have raised concern over the surge in temperatures during the past week as the northeast monsoon (“amihan”) slowly weakens.
According to data collected by LagunaWISE, a local science organization, the highest heat index so far was reported in Calamba City last March 6 at 41 degrees Celsius.
On that same day, the cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, and Santa Rosa recorded heat indexes of 40 degrees Celsius.
PAGASA had earlier said that the public could expect a less intense dry season this year, a relief from 2024’s El Niño which brought record-breaking temperatures and heat indexes.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #DOH #RDRRMC #PAGASA #DepEd