Gov’t bracing for ‘danger’ heat index

On Monday, PAGASA stations in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija forecast 45 degrees; and Science Garden, Quezon City and Clark Airport in Pampanga 46 degrees. (Pexels Photo)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The government is closely monitoring the rising heat indices being recorded in various parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

This comes as state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded “danger” heat indices on Monday, although it has yet to declare the onset of the dry season.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that agencies are prepared to take immediate action to address the potential impacts of extreme heat.

“Kikilos talaga agad ang ahensiya para po matugunan kung anuman ang magiging problema sa mga susunod na araw itong napakatinding init na nararamdaman natin (The agency will act immediately to address whatever problem will arise in this extreme heat we are feeling in the next few days),” Castro said.

She mentioned that the government would convene a meeting to discuss the situation in more detail, particularly the action plans of various agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

While the specifics of these plans have not yet been provided, Castro said the agencies have likely begun coordinating their responses.

On Monday, PAGASA stations in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija forecast 45 degrees; and Science Garden, Quezon City and Clark Airport in Pampanga 46 degrees.

Meanwhile, the city governments of Manila, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon and Las Piñas in the National Capital Region have declared a suspension of face-to-face classes on Monday.