By Alyanna Gabas and Yra Suarin
Dumaguete City was among the seven areas in the Philippines that reached 40°C last March 16, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
According to PAGASA, a heat index of 33°C to 41°C falls under the “extreme caution” category which would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion. ,
Prolonged heat or sun exposure can also lead to heat stroke, PAGASA warns.
Other areas under the same heat category included Catbalogan City, Butuan City, Puerto Princesa City and Coron in Palawan, Guiuan in Eastern Samar, and Virac in Catanduanes.
Expert Insights
Dumaguete City also recorded a 38°C heat index for March 17 and 18 consecutively, as indicated in the state weather bureau’s latest computed heat index bulletin.
Silliman University (SU) Physics Department Prof. Francisco Ablong noted that the city’s heat temperature is expected to rise due to “increased urban development.”
“These structures are not favoring the growth of trees and other plants,because if these buildings are surrounded with plants or trees, then, even if there are so many buildings and structures, we [will] still have a lower heat index,” he said.
He added, “If the ground is already concretized, that will contribute. When the buildings are so near [to] each other, it will contribute also because the air that will pass through [those] very congestive structures are minimized.”
Heat index indicates how hot it would feel when relative humidity is combined with air temperature and is used to measure the temperature’s effects on the human body.
Effects on students
Meanwhile, student Kryzl Kilat expressed that a considerable temperature change can be felt around the area.
“There is a change in temperature gyud sa Dumaguete. Like, even if naa rakog classrooms na naay aircon, ma-feel gihapon nako ang kainit sa gawas, especially if it’s noon time,” Kilat said.
(Even if I’m in an airconditioned classroom, I can still feel the heat from outside.)
Moreover, some students reported various heat-related health issues, including dizziness and fatigue.
“Naa to one-time na akong classmate kay nalipong to siya tungod sa kainit. Bisag kami kay maluya or dali kapoyon tungod sa kainit,” Benedict Penicilla recounted.
(There was a time when one of my classmates felt dizzy due to the heat. Even we feel weak or easily get tired because of the heat.)
Bea Magtortor also emphasized the need to adjust daily routines to cope with the soaring temperatures.
“I had to wake up earlier than usual to get to school early so that I won’t have to deal with the morning heat. [The school should] provide access to free water or drinkable water fountains, adjusting the school calendar, and ensuring each classroom or facility is well equipped with fans,” she said.
PH government prepares for dry season
With the summer season beginning this month, the Philippine government intensified monitoring as heat indices are expected to increase across the country.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, assured the public that the government is preparing to address the rising heat index.
“Kikilos talaga agad ang ahensiya para po matugunan kung anuman ang magiging problema sa mga susunod na araw itong napakatinding init na nararamdaman natin,” Castro said during a Palace briefing last Mar. 3.
(The agency will act immediately to address whatever problem will arise in this extreme heat we are feeling in the next few days.)
Castro added that the government will meet to discuss the situation, focusing on the action plans of agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Education.
