ILOILO – In response to the severe heat conditions exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. issued Executive Order 118, mandating Minimum Public Health Standards for a Hazardous Heat Index (MPHS-HHI).
This directive, signed Friday last week, aims to protect the health of residents.
Defensor emphasized that the heat index this May is predicted to reach hazardous levels, which can severely impact public health.
To counter these risks, he set forth several key guidelines under the MPHS-HHI. These include avoiding sun exposure and the heat between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and refraining from wearing thick or layered clothing.
Additionally, the order stipulates strict regulations on social and public events.
Residents are advised to limit their outdoor activities to essential travel and work purposes during the peak heat hours.
All social gatherings, including local government and educational events, cultural performances, and family celebrations, should preferably take place indoors or be well-coordinated to ensure adequate hydration and emergency medical services are available.
Specifically for workplaces and establishments, the governor has ordered the suspension of thick and layered uniform requirements unless the environment is air-conditioned.
There’s also a call for adjusted work hours and the provision of cooling facilities to further safeguard workers’ health.
Each workplace must appoint a Safety Officer to monitor conditions and manage health risks associated with the hazardous heat index./PN
