The province and city of Iloilo are gearing up for hazardous heat index in the coming days.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said upon the recommendation of the operations center (OPCEN), the threshold that merits the suspension of face-to-face classes is lowered to 40 degrees Celsius from the previous 42 degrees.
He said schools can call off classes or shift to other modes of learning.
“Effective next week, starting Monday. I approved the recommendation of the operation center. By Monday, we will release the executive order,” the mayor said in an interview on Saturday, March 8.
This city’s forecast heat index this weekend is 40 degrees.
The OPCEN, in its report on March 3, monitored the rising temperature in the first two months of 2025 through the local early warning device, state weather bureau PAGASA and other available scientific sources.
“Peak heat indices are typically observed in the afternoon, particularly around 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with February showing more stable and consistently higher temperatures than January, which was more affected by seasonal weather disturbances,” the report stated.
Among the recommendations are the implementation of an extreme heat early warning system, promotion of water conservation, increased advocacy on risks of heat-related illnesses, and the re-establishment of protocols for shifting to alternative modes of learning delivery in schools.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. will issue an order within the day for adjustments in protocols.
Defensor is expected to amend Executive Order No. 118, implementing minimum public health standards in hazardous heat due to the El Niño phenomenon, which he signed last year.
“We are going to add. We are going to adjust to new protocols,” he said in a separate interview.PNA
