ILOILO City – With dancers set to perform under intense heat and long hours of physical exertion, health authorities have flagged heat exhaustion as a primary medical risk during the Dinagyang Festival tribe competitions on January 25.
The festivals’ Sub-site Task Group for Emergency Response and Preparedness (SSTG-ERP) said preparations are now focused on the rapid treatment of heat-related illnesses, which consistently account for the bulk of medical cases during the festival’s major performances.
Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, assistant city health officer and a member of the Sub-site Task Group for Emergency Response and Preparedness, said most heat exhaustion cases are recorded immediately after tribe performances, when dancers’ bodies suddenly give in after sustained exposure to the sun and physically demanding routines.
“Based on our experience every Dinagyang, heat exhaustion among performers is the most common emergency that we respond to. This usually happens after their performance, when the body suddenly gives in after intense exertion under the sun,” Fortuna said.
He said heat-related cases among performers are often followed by minor injuries such as bruises and cuts caused by accidental contact with large and heavy props during routines.
Among spectators, Fortuna noted that medical complaints are commonly linked to dizziness and weakness, often triggered by poor preparation before attending the events.
“For the audience, many of those who feel lightheaded are those who skipped meals, failed to take their maintenance medicines, or did not drink enough water before going to the performance areas,” he said.
Fortuna urged both performers and festivalgoers to take basic preventive steps to avoid medical emergencies during the Dinagyang Festival, stressing that most cases are preventable.
“Hydration is very important. We strongly advise everyone to drink water regularly, eat properly before coming to the venues, and bring their maintenance medicines if they have any,” he said. “These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of medical incidents during the festival.”
He added that medical teams will be strategically deployed in all judging areas throughout Iloilo City to ensure immediate response to emergencies.
“Our emergency response teams are already on standby, equipped to immediately attend to cases of heat exhaustion, minor injuries, and other medical concerns,” Fortuna said. “But prevention is always better than cure, and we encourage everyone to take care of their health while enjoying Dinagyang.”
The SSTG-ERP renewed its call for performers and spectators to remain mindful of their physical limits as the Dinagyang celebrations continue amid large crowds and prolonged outdoor activities./PN
