As temperatures continued to rise, reaching a scorching 36.3 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City on Sunday, March 25, 2024, the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius in the city and 43 degrees in Davao City on March 25, 2024.
Authorities have classified this as under the "Danger Category."
Health authorities warn of the increased risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke due to the excessive heat like when visiting pilgrimage sites or beaches during the Holy Week.
To mitigate these risks, health authorities urge the public to consider the following precautions:
1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Avoid alcohol, coffee, or tea, as they can dehydrate the body.
3. Consume nutritious foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, to replenish electrolytes.
4. Wear comfortable clothing to prevent overheating.
5. Carry sun protection, such as sunscreen and hats, to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
6. Avoid outdoor activities between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., especially if you have existing health conditions; and,
7. Take any maintenance medication as prescribed.
"Laging magdala ng hydration, tubig, pananggalang sa sikat ng araw at lagi tayong magsuot ng mga maaliwalas na damit para ma-trap ang init ng katawan," Dr. Rheul Bobis, spokesperson for CHD-1, said.
VISITA IGLESIA
Meanwhile, despite the sweltering conditions, devotees remain steadfast in the Visita Iglesia tradition.
Lawrence Samin, a 33-year-old devotee from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, visited St. John the Evangelist Church in Dagupan City. He always brings water to keep hydrated.
"Ang aming paghahanda kagaya nga ng panahon ngayon masyadong mainit, [na] uso ang mga heat stroke, may ready kami laging mga tubig para kung saan man kami magpunta. Pitong estasyon yun, pitong parokya yan, lagi kaming nakahanda lalo na yung nag-maintenance namin kaya all ready kami sa lahat," Samin said.
Meanwhile, Ronald Santos, another devotee, started his journey early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat.
"Ngayong panahon na ito, mayroon kaming dalang mga tubig, so equipped kami sa tubig, para at least whenever we go out we [can] drink plenty of water para ma-replenish," Santos said.
