Passengers arrive at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in Parañaque City on April 5, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Travelers for the Holy Week break have to endure not just long queues but also the extreme heat. 

At several bus stations in Quezon City, individuals incessantly wave their fans for an extra swoosh of air.

“Sobra-sobra na ang init ngayon. Mahirap mag-biyahe,” says traveler Lorna Malicden.

(It’s too hot. It’s really hard to travel)

Another passenger likens her experience to a “double sacrifice” for the Lenten Season.

“Parang nagpepenitensiya ka na rin. Kung wala lang kaming dala iiwan ko na eh, magba-backout na na ako. Hindi kaya ng tolda, nagrereflect pa rin ang init,” said Rosalie De Jesus.

(It’s another sacrifice in itself. If only I didn’t have things with me, I would have backed out. Even the shade isn’t enough, the heat still passes through it)

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HEALTH RISKS POSED BY EXTREME HEAT

The Department of Health has continuously advised the public to keep hydrated especially when exposed to the sun between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This to avoid heat-related illnesses like exhaustion and heat stroke.

“Yung heat exhaustion pag hindi pa rin naremedyuhan, papunta na yan sa heat stroke. Nawawalan ng malay o kaya sobrang init ng balat saka tuyo.  Pag nakakita ng ganun, kailangan mag first aid na tayo. Ipasok sa lilim. Kung merong airconditioned room better yun o tutukan ng bentilador and call for medical assistance,” DOH Spokesperson Albert said in an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

(Heat exhaustion if not resolved can progress to a stroke. An individual loses consciousness or the skin dries up. If we see this, apply first aid. Place the individual under a shade, bring them to an area with an air conditioner o electric fan and call for medical assistance.)

Domingo reiterated that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not the only illnesses one can get from the really hot weather. 

Among a slew of other illnesses are food poisoning and skin diseases all of which can prevented if individuals exercise caution in food preparation and good hygiene.

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State weather bureau PAGASA has earlier said that the heat is bound to get worse as April progresses with peaks expected in mid-May.

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