ILOILO – Residents are being urged to limit outdoor exposure as much as possible to avoid heat-related illnesses, as the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) warned of increasing health risks due to soaring heat index levels at the height of the hot and dry season.
The advisory comes as health authorities noted a growing threat of conditions such as hyperthermia, heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat syncope, particularly among individuals exposed to prolonged heat.
Dr. Jhoanne Talion of IPHO explained that hyperthermia occurs when the body can no longer regulate its core temperature due to extreme heat, often resulting in heat cramps caused by dehydration and electrolyte loss from excessive sweating.
She added that heat syncope, or fainting, may occur due to a drop in blood pressure as blood vessels dilate in response to high temperatures.
“Limitahan man ang pag-ubra or pag-gwa sa mga panimalay, kapin pa sa pinaka-mainit nga tion sang adlaw. Kun indi malikawan ang pag-gwa sa panimalay, magsuksuk sang presko ukon manipis nga mga bayo, magkalo, ukon magdala sang payong,” she said.
The IPHO emphasized that minimizing outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours, remains the most effective way to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Workers who have no choice but to stay under the sun, including farmers, construction workers, and delivery riders, were advised to take frequent breaks, seek shade, and drink plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions.
Talion also urged the public to regularly monitor weather forecasts and heat index updates to better plan daily routines.
She stressed the importance of recognizing early symptoms of heat stroke, including hot and flushed skin, rapid and shallow breathing, a fast pulse, dizziness, and confusion.
“In case may tawo nga makita nga nagaka-experience sang heat-related illnesses, especially sang heat stroke, buligan ini paagi sa pag-apply first aid,” she said.
In suspected heat stroke cases, the IPHO advised bringing the patient to a shaded area, removing excess clothing, cooling the body with water and fanning, and applying ice packs to the neck, armpits, palms, and back. If conscious, the patient may be given water or oral rehydration solutions.
The public is also urged to immediately contact their local government unit’s emergency hotline to ensure prompt medical attention.
With temperatures expected to remain high, health officials stressed that reducing exposure to extreme heat is critical in preventing serious complications and saving lives.
Heat index levels in Iloilo have surged into the “danger” category, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to warn Ilonggos to brace for even more intense heat in the coming days as the region reaches the peak of the warm and dry season.
PAGASA Iloilo reported that heat index readings have consistently exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, with a recorded 43 degrees Celsius as of 1 p.m. Sunday, April 26.
The highest heat index recorded so far this year reached 44 degrees Celsius on February 28, while an even higher 46 degrees Celsius was logged on April 4 at the PAGASA Dumangas-Iloilo Station.
“Kun mag warm and dry season, usually mga 37 to 39 degrees Celsius pero masaka gid man na sia sa ulihi, which is amo na ini sia subong. Tunga-tunga na kita sang tag-init nga season pero usually basta mga April, naga-record kita sang 40-plus nga heat index,” said Jan Baron, weather facilities technician of PAGASA Iloilo.
Heat index, PAGASA explained, measures how high humidity combines with elevated temperatures to reduce the body’s ability to cool itself, significantly increasing health risks during prolonged exposure.
Heat index levels are divided into four categories:
* 27 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius (Caution) – Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure
* 33 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius (Extreme Caution) – Heat cramps and heat exhaustion may occur
* 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius (Danger) – Heat exhaustion is likely, and prolonged exposure may lead to heat stroke
* 52 degrees Celsius and above (Extreme Danger) – Heat stroke is highly likely and considered a medical emergency/PN
