ILOILO – The provincial government of Iloilo has reiterated restrictions on outdoor public and social events due to rising temperatures, which pose potential health risks.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the need to follow the guidelines set in his Executive Order (EO) No. 118, which was issued in 2024 to address health concerns caused by extreme heat, particularly during the El Niño phenomenon.
The EO, which enforces minimum public health standards in hazardous heat conditions (MPHS-HHI), remains in effect; it has not be rescinded, he clarified.
While the province may assess whether additional measures are needed, the current order continues to provide guidance on how to manage outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, said Defensor.
Residents are advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat, especially between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Public and social events, such as government-sponsored activities, school functions, weddings, cultural performances, and sports events, will be regulated to prevent prolonged exposure to heat.
Events conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. must be moved indoors to venues that are adequately ventilated and sized to accommodate participants.
Additionally, these events must provide access to cool drinking water and have a stationed medical response team for emergencies related to heat exposure.
The order also includes provisions for workplaces, advising businesses and government offices to adjust working hours and ensure that employees are not exposed to hazardous heat.
Workers are encouraged to wear lighter clothing unless working in air-conditioned environments. Employers are also required to designate a safety officer to monitor work conditions and worker health.
For outdoor activities, specific heat index categories issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration will guide the level of restriction:
* Extreme Danger (≥ 52°C) – cancel outdoor and physically demanding activities
* Danger (42–51°C) – restrict activities for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and unacclimatized workers, and reschedule to cooler times
* Extreme Caution (33–41°C) – reschedule activities to cooler times, with increased breaks and hydration
* Caution (27–32°C) – Activities can continue but must be closely monitored for signs of heat-related illnesses
Governor Defensor also encouraged local chief executives across 42 municipalities and the component city of Passi to establish cooling facilities for senior citizens during extreme heat events, similar to the air-conditioned evacuation center set up by Bingawan last year./PN