ILOILO City – With an average of 50 medical emergencies recorded per cemetery during last year’s All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days observance, health and disaster officials are bracing for another surge in heat-related illnesses while warning that the continuing dengue threat could put thousands of cemetery visitors at risk.
The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) identified hypertension as the most common medical emergency encountered during last year’s cemetery operations, while the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) raised concerns over mosquito bites, dehydration and extreme heat as families prepare to visit their departed loved ones on November 1 and 2.
Darwin Joemil Papa, head of the CDRRMO Emergency Response Section, said high temperatures and overcrowding frequently caused blood pressure to rise among cemetery visitors, particularly senior citizens and individuals with existing medical conditions.
“The most common cases we handled were hypertensive events. Because of the temperature and the crowded conditions, people start feeling unwell and their blood pressure rises,” Papa said.
Based on last year’s emergency operations, city responders attended to an average of 50 medical cases per cemetery, although only about five patients per site required hospital referral.
Most patients were treated on-site through medical assessment, rest and hydration.
The figures underscore the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat and overcrowding when thousands of families traditionally gather in cemeteries to remember their departed relatives.
DENGUE ADDS TO HEALTH RISKS
Compounding the threat of heat-related emergencies is the continuing prevalence of dengue in several Iloilo municipalities.
Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the IPHO Health Service Delivery Division, warned that cemetery visitors could be exposed to dengue-carrying mosquitoes, particularly in areas where stagnant water provides potential breeding grounds.
He advised visitors to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, apply mosquito repellent and avoid places where water accumulates.
“Stay healthy and safe subong nga Undas 2026,” Labis said.
“Para sa dugang nga protection,” he added, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against mosquito bites.
The IPHO also advised families to schedule cemetery visits early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize exposure to extreme heat.
Visitors were urged to bring sufficient drinking water and food, avoid prolonged sun exposure and take regular breaks in shaded areas.
Individuals taking maintenance medications, particularly for hypertension, were reminded to take their prescribed medicines on schedule before leaving home.
Labis stressed that children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with existing medical conditions should be closely supervised and accompanied by family members capable of assisting them during emergencies.
EMERGENCY TEAMS ON ALERT
To address the anticipated medical emergencies, the CDRRMO is coordinating with water providers to establish water stations at major cemeteries in Iloilo City.
These include Forrest Lake Memorial Park, Iloilo City Public Cemetery, Jaro Public Cemetery, Molo Cemetery and Tanza Cemetery.
Papa said medical personnel and emergency supplies would be placed on standby to provide immediate assistance to visitors experiencing health problems.
He particularly urged senior citizens and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions to avoid cemetery visits during peak hours or consider staying home if extreme heat and large crowds could endanger their health.
“In as much as we want to prevent these incidents, this is already a tradition for us and it cannot really be avoided. There will always be people who will visit the cemeteries,” Papa said.
The IPHO, meanwhile, called on local government units, health facilities and emergency responders throughout Iloilo Province to strengthen medical preparedness by establishing first-aid stations, deploying response teams and ensuring adequate medical supplies.
Both agencies emphasized the importance of immediately seeking medical assistance when symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, weakness, breathing difficulties or other signs of illness occur.
Cemetery visitors were also reminded to familiarize themselves with the locations of first-aid stations to avoid delays in obtaining emergency treatment.
Aside from health precautions, Labis urged the public to observe cemetery regulations, avoid bringing sharp objects and refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.
“Sundon ang mga patakaran nga ginapatuman sang otoridad sa patyo lakip na ang traffic rules and regulations,” Labis said.
Papa likewise urged visitors to comply with safety guidelines issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, City Environment and Natural Resources Office and traffic authorities.
As Iloilo prepares for the annual influx of cemetery visitors, health officials emphasized that honoring departed loved ones should not come at the expense of the safety and well-being of the living.
“Samtang ginadumdom kag ginatahud naton ang aton pinalangga nga nagpanaw na, indi naton pagkalimtan ang pag-atipan sa aton kaugalingon kag sang aton pamilya. Maging responsable kita, maghalong kag mabuligay para sa kaayuhan sang tanan,” Labis said./PN
