ILOILO—To protect residents from the dangers of extreme heat, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 20, series of 2025, implementing minimum public health standards for hazardous heat index conditions in Iloilo province.
The order mandates all city, municipal, and barangay governments to establish Hazardous Heat Index (HHI) evacuation centers to shelter vulnerable residents, including the elderly, pregnant women, and children, as well as individuals with health conditions that could worsen due to extreme heat.
Local governments are required to identify existing buildings or facilities, such as barangay halls, health stations, or evacuation centers, that can be used as temperature-regulated safe zones.
These facilities must either be air-conditioned or prepared for air-conditioning installation to provide proper heat protection.
The centers will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with medical and public assistance stations in place to attend to the health needs of evacuees.
To support the implementation of the order, the provincial government will provide financial assistance: ₱100,000 for cities and municipalities, and ₱25,000 for barangays.
Defensor also urged residents to follow these three preventive measures:
· Avoid sunlight and extreme heat, especially from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
· Stay hydrated throughout the day.;
· Wear light and breathable clothing.
Public events, outdoor activities, and work schedules will also be regulated based on heat index levels to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order No. 24, series of 2025, setting new guidelines for suspending face-to-face classes due to extreme heat.
If the heat index reaches 40°C, school heads and administrators may decide to shorten in-person classes until 12:00 noon and shift to alternative learning modes.
If the heat index hits 42°C, face-to-face classes are automatically suspended and must shift to Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM).
Treñas also encouraged university presidents to adopt ADM-based learning during periods of excessive heat.
With the temperatures expected to keep soaring in the coming weeks, both provincial and city governments are taking proactive measures to safeguard public health and ensure that residents can adapt to the extreme weather conditions.