ILOILO City – With temperatures expected to surge to dangerous levels, the Iloilo City Government is activating two public cooling centers today to shield vulnerable residents from the health risks of extreme heat.
City officials framed the measure not just as a convenience, but as a frontline public health intervention because heat exposure increasingly threatens commuters, senior citizens, and children across the city.
Engr. Neil Ravena, head of the General Services Office, said the cooling stations are located along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district and on General Luna Street near the Jalandoni Bridge in the City Proper — areas selected for accessibility and high foot traffic.
The centers will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., each accommodating up to 20 individuals at a time under a regulated system designed to maximize access during peak heat hours.
Each visitor will undergo registration and a brief health assessment upon arrival, followed by a 30- to 60-minute stay to allow others to avail themselves of the service. Exceptions will be made for those requiring immediate medical attention.
Free drinking water will be provided, while optional blood pressure monitoring and regular 30-minute check-ins by staff will ensure visitors’ safety.
To maintain fairness and efficiency, authorities are urging users to voluntarily give up their slots once they feel better.
“This service is for all Ilonggos who need relief from the heat,” Ravena emphasized, stressing the need for proper monitoring to prevent abuse of the limited spaces.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Health Office will jointly manage the facilities, with personnel on standby to assess and respond to any medical concerns.
City officials underscored that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat, urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and make responsible use of the cooling stations./PN
