The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has taken measures to address the effects of the high heat index on persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
In a statement on Tuesday, March 4, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. has instructed concerned officials of the agency “to ensure a consistent supply of water in all Bucor facilities.”
Also, Catapang has ordered "the emergency procurement of singlet or ‘sando’ for PDLs to avoid heat-related illnesses resulting from high heat index.”
At the same time, Catapang directed BuCor Health and Welfare Services Acting Director CT/CSupt. Ma. Cecilia V. Villanueva “to take immediate and proactive measures to prevent health conditions brought about by high-heat index within all Bucor facilities.”
In response to the directives, Villanueva has ordered all chiefs of the health services of the bureau’s prison facilities “to remain vigilant in monitoring and to implement preventive actions and promptly report to the DHWS (Director for Health and Welfare Services) office within 24 hours to ensure timely tracking and response.”
She also instructed all directors, prison superintendents, chiefs of health services and hospitals, and chiefs of offices, what common summer diseases or conditions and precautions to watch out due to high heat index.