BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – Fourteen student dancers fainted due to sweltering temperatures at the Panaad Festival in San Dionisio town.
The incident occurred during a street and mass dance competition that marked the festival’s opening ceremonies on May 1.
Mayor Darwin Bajada told Panay News that the intense heat significantly impacted the students, contributing to a drop in potassium levels.
The students, already dehydrated, drank cold water following their performances.
The festival events took place in a covered gym between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., but the heat was still overwhelming for the participants.
Thankfully, none of the affected dancers suffered from heatstroke, and all have since recovered and returned home, Bajada said.
He also expressed his relief and gratitude that no severe health issues emerged and confirmed his commitment to cover any medical expenses for the students treated at Sara District Hospital.
To prevent future incidents, Mayor Bajada announced that subsequent festival activities would be scheduled in the evening to avoid the peak heat hours./PN
