THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday said they are expecting lower temperatures during the warm and dry season this year.
Climate monitoring and prediction chief Ana Liza Solis said the weather bureau is “seeing (that) the highest possible temperature will be 39.6 degrees” in the coming months.
“That’s the highest temperature that may be experienced by our countrymen in Northern Luzon, Solis said, adding that “last year, we recorded more than 40 degrees temperature.”
She said the warm and dry season may start on the second week or third week of this month.
Solis said last year’s high temperatures were due to the El Niño, a weather phenomenon that increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions that may lead to dry spells and droughts.
PAGASA said five areas are forecast to have danger level heat index today — 43 degrees Celsius in Albay, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur; while residents of Occidental Mindoro and Northern Samar will feel a heat index of 42 degrees.
Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels in contrast to the actual air temperature.
The weather bureau classifies heat index ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius as dangerous. People are likely to experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion and heat stroke is probable if there is continued exposure.
Yesterday, PAGASA said Occidental Mindoro and Camarines Sur had a heat index of 43 degrees, while Albay and Catanduanes experienced 42 degrees.
Because of the PAGASA forecast that the heat index in Metro Manila will be high yesterday, the city government of Manila suspended face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private schools.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna made the announcement in a social media post late Monday, citing the recommendation made by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.
“Schools are advised to shift to any alternative learning modality,” she said.
Manila’s heat index was expected to peak at 43 degrees yesterday.
In-person classes were also suspended from Kindergarten to senior high school in public schools in Quezon City.
The local government of Bacoor in Cavite likewise cancelled F2F classes for Preschool to Grade 12 in both public and private schools.
Classes were also suspended in all levels, both in public and private schools, in Abucay, Orani, Samal and Hermosa – all in the province of Bataan.
BUCOR
Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. yesterday ordered the procurement of sleeveless shirts or “sandos” for inmates under their care amid the threat of extreme heat.
Catapang said this is one of the measures being undertaken by the agency to ensure that inmates are able to avoid heat-related illnesses, especially considering the congestion in the country’s prison system.
Catapang said he had already ordered BuCor OIC Deputy Director General for Reformation and acting Director for Health and Welfare Services CSupt. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva to “prepare accordingly” following the weather bureau’s announcement that the onset of the warm and dry season is likely next week.
“I also directed those concerned to ensure a consistent supply of water in all BuCor facilities,” he said.
The BuCor operates the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, Davao Prison and Penal Farm, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, Leyte Regional Prison and Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.
Villanueva, who is also the chief of the NBP Hospital, said she has ordered the health chiefs in all BuCor prison facilities to “remain vigilant in monitoring and to implement preventive actions” and to report to her office within 24 hours their actions taken to ensure timely tracking of the health of inmates under their care.
She added that her office also issued warnings regarding common summer diseases or conditions and precautions due to the high heat index.
WORK GUIDELINES
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday urged the private sector to adopt measures to counter the threat of danger level heat indexes in the workplaces ahead of the official start of the warm and dry season.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma urged employers to comply with Labor Advisory No. 08-2023.
“We are reiterating our appeal for employers to comply with the Advisory to protect the health and safety of their workers,” he said.
“Even if the onset of summer season is not yet officially here, proactive and preventive measures are better than reactive ones,” he also said.
Under the guidelines, DOLE pushed for the elimination of heat and humidity in workplaces through effective ventilation and heat insulation in all areas with workers.
It said there should also be an adjustment of rest breaks or work locations to allow recovery from heat exposure.
Companies are also urged to provide temperature-appropriate uniforms and personal protective equipment, such as hats, goggles with protection against ultraviolet rays, and comfortable light material long-sleeve t-shirts.
The DOLE said there must also be provision of free and adequate drinking water at the workplace with a directive for drinking at least two to three liters daily.
Firms are also urged to undertake workplace assessment, information, and advocacy campaigns on symptoms and how to address heat stress.
The labor department said companies should also establish procedures and information networks to address heat-related emergencies.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it is ready to respond to medical emergencies caused by high temperatures across the country.
In a statement, PRC secretary general Dr. Gwen Pang said the public may call its Hotline 143 for immediate assistance for those with heat-related illnesses.
She said the PRC offers ambulance services for health emergencies. “(We have) 178 ambulance units strategically positioned nationwide,” she added.
According to the PRC, heat-related emergencies can happen during prolonged exposure to high temperatures, which affects the body’s natural temperature control system.
Among the most common heat-related emergencies are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Considered at high risk from heat-related emergencies are children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), elderlies, and outside workers. – With Ashzel Hachero and Gerard Naval
