More people in Dagupan City are seeking refuge inside malls to escape the scorching weather. Instead of shopping, many visitors simply want to enjoy the free air-conditioning.

Ralph Taluban, a mechanical supervisor at a local mall, confirmed the surge in visitors.

"Dati 8K-12K mallgoers. Ngayong summer, naging 15K dahil sa init ng panahon. Nagpapalamig sila sa mall para mapreskuhan sila," he said.

The mall can accomodate around 13,000 people on the ground floor alone.

Among them is Ma. Jessielyn De Villa and her aunt, Delia Delos Santos, from Agno, Pangasinan. They visit the mall not just for bonding but to cool off.

"Pansin po natin na kakaiba ang temperatura lalo na sa Dagupan. Kaya minsan ikot-ikot tayo sa mall para magpalamig," De Villa said.

The mall opens at 10 a.m., but air-conditioning units are turned on as early as 9:30 a.m. to prepare for the influx of visitors.

Security measures have also tightened. Head security officer Rolinda Dondo assured they are prepared for any emergencies.

"Nakaantabay ambulansiya ng security. Kung may mahilo, maitakbo natin agad sa ospital," he said.