THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) XI urged the public to keep themselves healthy and stay hydrated amidst the ongoing effects of El Niño to prevent heat-related illnesses.
During a media forum on Friday, Oct. 30, DOH XI OIC assistant regional director Dr. Grace Amistoso emphasized that timely and accurate health information is essential for citizens to be prepared and anticipate the impacts and risks of El Niño.
To keep families and communities safe, DOH XI laid out practical measures, namely adequate hydration and nutrition, wearing hats, shades, and sunscreen for protection against extreme heat, or consulting a doctor for symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Avoiding peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is recommended when UV rays and heat indexes are at their highest.
The public must monitor closely for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
Illnesses to be aware of are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, where the agency highly recommends calling for emergency medical help immediately.
Water safety and hygiene are also important, and residents must make sure to clean their water before drinking by boiling it for at least three minutes to avoid waterborne infectious diseases. Water drums or buckets are to be properly sealed to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs on water.
Amistoso said DOH has sent out advisories to health facilities that are prepared to treat patients who may bear symptoms of heat-related and waterborne illnesses.
According to the Department of Science and Technology—Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), the El Niño is expected to intensify to a very strong level from September to December 2026 and will persist through the first half of 2027.
