The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, March 9 released updated guidelines to prevent and manage the health impacts of extreme heat, following an order from President Marcos Jr.
The new guidelines, outlined in Department Memorandum No. 2025-0114 dated March 7, were issued as the heat index is expected to rise with the approaching warm and dry season.
READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/3/how-pagasa-s-heat-index-reports-help-you-prepare
The updated guidelines direct all DOH units, including department-retained hospitals and health facilities, such as the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers, to implement key strategies.
These strategies must also be coordinated with local government units through programs like PuroKalusugan, which was introduced in the recent National Health Sector Meeting.
The measures include ensuring the preparedness of health facilities and staff, promoting public health literacy to educate people on staying safe during extreme heat, and establishing cooling centers in air-conditioned or well-ventilated spaces near public transportation routes, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
In addition, hydration stations will be set up in all DOH facilities, particularly during the hottest hours of the day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while prompt detection and monitoring of heat-related illnesses will be implemented.
“The Department of Health, together with the entire government, is prepared to face the hot weather. Always check the heat index forecast of PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) for your area or vicinity. Wear loose, white or light-colored, and lightweight clothing,” DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa advised.
For emergencies, Herbosa reminded the public to call 911, 1555 (DOH), or 143 (Philippine Red Cross).