Published in its print edition on March 1 – 7, 2025
AS the heat index spirals, the country is heading to more scorching days ahead. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of March 8 at 5 P.M., reported that multiple areas have experienced “extreme heat” conditions as well as “dangerous” levels.
The heat index is plaguing areas like Iba, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Dagupan, Pangasinan while Palawan has been deemed to be experiencing “dangerous” levels of heat, reaching 42 degrees Celsius. Severe as it is, people tend to ignore the situation.
Students suffer intense heat without the luxury of enough electric fans or air conditioners due to lack of proper facilities, fund, and materials.
In the past week, classes have already started to be suspended due to the extreme heat. Students, parents, and educators bear the brunt.
While air conditioners, electric fans and other facilities help mitigate the heat, there is no better option than natural humidity. Yet, poor people become more vulnerable to heat strokes and dehydration.
Staying hydrated is essential for everyone. Outdoor activities must be shunned off between 10 A.M. until 4 P.M. The Department of Health (DOH) recommends wearing light and cool clothing and staying indoors whenever possible.
Beating the heat requires more than the artificial ones.#
