Bong Go
At least three areas in Luzon are forecast to experience heat indices within the 鈥渄anger鈥� range on Monday, March 3, prompting Senator Christopher 鈥淏ong鈥� Go, Chairperson of the Senate Health Committee, to call for heightened public awareness and proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the heat index鈥攐r the 鈥渁pparent temperature鈥� felt by the human body when factoring in humidity.
Pagasa classifies temperatures between 42掳C and 51掳C as 鈥渄anger鈥� level, where 鈥渉eat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.鈥�
During a motorcade in Quezon City on Monday, March 3, Senator Go took a moment to address the crowd, emphasizing the importance of staying safe amid the extreme temperatures.
鈥淚ngat kayo. Mainit ang panahon. Ang importante sa akin, health at safety n鈥檡o. Ingat po kayo. Inom kayo ng tubig at sundin ang health protocols. Unahin natin ang ating kalusugan dahil katumbas ito ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,鈥� he told residents.
Given these conditions, several local government units and institutions have already taken precautions.
Senator Go emphasized the importance of public vigilance and preparedness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
鈥淜apag ganito kainit, hindi ito biro. Sa sobrang taas ng heat index, may posibilidad ng heat stroke, lalo na sa mga nagtatrabaho sa labas at sa mga estudyanteng pumapasok sa eskwela,鈥� Senator Go said. 鈥淎ng simpleng pag-inom ng tubig, pagsuot ng magaang damit, at pag-iwas sa direktang sikat ng araw sa tanghaling tapat ay malaking bagay na para maiwasan ang anumang komplikasyon.鈥�
The senator also reiterated the importance of hydration and avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours of heat. He urged workplaces and schools to make adjustments where necessary to prioritize the health and safety of individuals.
While addressing immediate heat-related risks, Senator Go also underscored the significance of strengthening the country鈥檚 healthcare system to ensure that people suffering from heat-related illnesses can receive prompt medical attention.
He pointed to the Malasakit Centers, which serve as one-stop shops for medical assistance, particularly for indigent patients. As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Senator Go has spearheaded the institutionalization of this program, with 167 centers now operating across the country. To date, the Department of Health (DOH) reports that over 17 million Filipinos have benefited from the initiative.
Additionally, the senator highlighted the role of Super Health Centers, which provide essential primary care services, consultations, and early disease detection in grassroots communities. These centers, funded through the collaboration of lawmakers, DOH, and local government units, are integral in ensuring accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Through his legislative efforts, Senator Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
鈥淎ng init ng panahon ay isang seryosong usapin na may direktang epekto sa ating kalusugan. Kailangan nating tiyakin na may agarang access sa serbisyong medikal ang sinumang mangangailangan,鈥� Senator Go stressed.
As the country braces for intensifying temperatures in the coming months, the senator urged Filipinos to stay informed, prioritize their well-being, and take advantage of government programs designed to safeguard their health.