ILOILO City – This city is poised to expand its network of cooling hubs with private companies committing to set up additional “I-Cool” stations, a move seen to strengthen the city’s response to extreme heat and protect public health.
Mayor Raisa Treñas announced the development during the opening of a new cooling hub along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district on Wednesday, May 6, saying several firms have pledged support to install cooling stations outside their establishments for public use.
“I have received from the private sector that they will help establish cooling stations sa ila nga mga establishments, bisan sa gwa lang to make sure nga ang mga Ilonggos may pahuwayan kung mainitan. So, we will be having a meeting tomorrow together with the private sector kay damo man nag-pledge,” the mayor said.
At least three to four companies have already committed, with more expected to follow in the coming days, signaling a growing public-private partnership aimed at mitigating the impact of rising temperatures in the city.
Treñas emphasized the importance of cooling hubs, particularly for individuals vulnerable to heat stress, noting their immediate benefits even for short periods of rest.
“Today, we will be opening two ‘I-Cool’ stations. Tawag naton ‘I-Cool’ kay para kung ga-lakat ka ‘di sa Diversion Road, mainit-init gid kay malayo ang lakton, at least makapahuway ka for a bit kag may ara ka area diin pwede ka magpabugnaw-bugnaw. Ako daan personally may hypertension, ga-batyag gid ko ‘ya kung mainit. Kun kis-a ginakulbaan ko kun mainit, gasakit ulo ko, so maka-relieve gid ini sa may hypertension. So, amo ni nga nakita naton nga project – manami man nga i-implement naton sa syudad. We will be having ‘I-Cool’ stations, this is the government’s initiative,” she explained.
Each hub is staffed by personnel from the City Health Office (CHO), who are available to monitor blood pressure for visitors who request it. Drinking water is also provided to help residents stay hydrated.
The city government noted that the cost of establishing the hubs remains minimal, as most materials used were repurposed.
During the inspection, Treñas-Chu observed that the air-conditioning in one of the units was insufficient and assured that improvements would be made to enhance comfort for users.
Beyond addressing heat concerns, the city is also exploring ways to repurpose the facilities for use during the rainy season. Plans are underway to convert the hubs into rain shelters equipped with water collection systems.
“Yes, amo na ang kasan-o nga nakita – rain shelter kag butangan naton sang facility nga ga-collect sang water,” the mayor said.
Additional cooling hubs have been opened at General Luna Street in City Proper, while another is set to open soon at Plazoleta Gay.
The hubs operate daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., accommodating up to 20 individuals at a time, with each person allowed to stay for 30 minutes to one hour./PN
