Workers cautioned vs extreme heat risks
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go urged government workers to remain dedicated to their duties while taking necessary precautions against the dangers of the intense heat currently affecting many parts of the country.
He emphasized that excessive heat exposure could lead to serious health conditions, including heat stroke, and called on both the education and labor sectors to adjust accordingly.
Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, made the statement while attending a gathering of barangay officials from Antique on Tuesday, March 4, in Iloilo City, where he underscored the importance of prioritizing public health amid rising temperatures.
“My primary interest is the safety, health, and welfare, lalung lalo na po ‘yung mga estudyante natin at ‘yung mga workers,” he said. “May mga lugar po na napaka-init ngayon at hindi desirable at very conducive para sa pag-aaral ng ating mga studyante. Napaka-hirap ngayong panahon. Heat index ang taas. D’yan pala sa Iloilo, umabot po ng 37 degrees Celsius. So napaka-init, delikado po.”
Given the extreme conditions, Senator Go stressed the need for preventive measures. He encouraged Filipinos to stay hydrated and for government agencies to make necessary adjustments to safeguard the well-being of workers and students.
“‘Pag sobrang init, paalala ko sa mga kababayan natin, uminom ng tubig. At sana po ay makapag-adjust ang DepEd (Department of Education)… kung kakailanganin talaga… ng online learning, baka pwede naman pong makapag-adjust. Mas importante sa akin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
For employees, particularly those working outdoors or under physically demanding conditions, Senator Go suggested flexible working arrangements to minimize exposure to extreme heat.
Citing guidance from the Department of Health (DOH), Senator Go warned about the serious health risks associated with extreme heat, such as heat stroke, heat cramps, and other heat-related illnesses.
The country is experiencing extreme heat conditions, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasting “danger” level heat indices between 42°C and 51°C in several areas. Notably, temperatures are expected to reach up to 49°C in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and 46°C in Quezon City and Clark Airport in Pampanga.
In response to these hazardous conditions, local government units in nearly half of Metro Manila have suspended face-to-face classes to safeguard students and staff.
