The Department of Health (DOH) is reminding the public to keep themselves well hydrated as weather temperature is expected to rise during the dry season. Dehydration and heat stroke are common during this season, especially among senior citizens, said DOH Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. “Ang pinakaimportante ngayon po talaga ay makainom tayo ng tamang amount ng tubig dahil marami sa atin, lalong-lalo yung mga matatanda, nagkakaroon po sila ng dehydration (The most important thing is that we drink enough water because many of us, especially the elderly, suffer from dehydration). And that can lead to heat stroke,” said Vergeire in a press briefing on Tuesday, March 21. The public should also monitor their blood pressure, said the Health official. Iit is also best for people to stay indoors between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the heat of the sun is at its strongest, said Vergeire. “Kung hindi naman makakaiwas para diyan, tulad ng sabi ko magsuot ng sumbrero o magdala ng payong (If  you have to go outside, wear a hat or bring an umbrella),” she said. “Maglagay po tayo ng sunscreen kung meron po tayo para mas maprokteksyunan ang ating balat (Let's put on sunscreen if we have it to better protect our skin),” she added. The dry season in the country officially started on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced. This season is expected to last until May, the state weather bureau said. "In the coming months, warmer temperatures are expected, and rainfall across the country will be influenced mostly by easterlies and localized thunderstorms," said PAGASA. "The public is advised to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption," it added.