By The heat index in many parts of the country reached alarming levels as the month of March rolled in, and it is not officially summer yet.
The highest observed heat index was 43 degrees Celsius in Pili, Camarines Sur on March 2 and 4 and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 4. On March 2, it reached 42 degrees Celsius in Echague, Isabela; Virac, Catanduanes; and Masbate City; and on March 3, in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and Legazpi City, Albay on March 4, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The extreme heat conditions in Metro Manila highlight the urgent need for a national heat emergency response plan. DepEd, PAGASA, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) must work together to establish standardized protocols for class suspensions or special protection for work due to extreme temperatures.
