Governor issues heat safety standards in Iloilo

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

In response to intense heat conditions, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has mandated Minimum Public Health Standards in Hazardous Heat Index (MPHS-HHI) for activities in provincial and local government offices across Iloilo.

Issued on May 3 through Executive Order (EO) No. 188, Series of 2024, these guidelines aim to protect the health of residents amid rising temperatures.

The MPHS-HHI introduces the “31s Strategy,” which includes avoiding sun exposure, drinking plenty of water, and refraining from wearing thick or layered clothing.

Defensor has advised residents to stay indoors during the peak heat hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and emphasized the importance of hydration.

The executive order further restricts social and public events, discouraging outdoor gatherings during peak heat hours and requiring any held between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to be in indoor venues with proper ventilation and access to cool drinking water.

Medical teams must be available for heat-related emergencies, along with cooling appliances.

“Residents of Iloilo Province shall not be exposed to heat at temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius for periods exceeding 20 minutes to prevent heat-related diseases and medical conditions,” the order added.

All establishments, workplaces, and offices are required to protect employees from heat-related illnesses by suspending the wearing of thick clothing, adjusting work hours, and providing adequate cooling facilities.

This action follows the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s April 29 resolution recommending a state of calamity for the entire province due to recent high heat indexes ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius.

These conditions pose risks such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and an increased probability of heat stroke with prolonged exposure.

Iloilo, significantly affected by the El Niño phenomenon, has seen agricultural losses estimated at P1.025 billion.

A dangerous level of heat index, reaching 47-49 degrees Celsius, was recorded in one town on Sunday, May 5, 2024, according to the Meteorology and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) in Miagao, Iloilo.

“Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure,” Miagao MDRRMO advised.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to safety measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat during this period.