By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo provincial government is allocating PHP43 million to establish Hazardous Heat Index (HHI) Evacuation Centers across cities, municipalities, and barangays in response to rising temperatures from March to May.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. recently signed Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2025, mandating the implementation of Minimum Public Health Standards for Hazardous Heat Index (MPHS-HHI) across the province.
The order aligns with Department of Health (DOH) Circular No. 0161, Series of 2024, which recommends measures to mitigate hazardous heat effects.
It also follows National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum Order No. 66 and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Memorandum Order No. 08, both issued on March 4.
The initiative aims to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Defensor said the funds will come from donations and subsidies from the Office of the Governor, as well as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) trust fund.
“We will still formulate the program guidelines, similar to what we did when we released assistance for African Swine Fever (ASF). One requirement is that LGUs must offer a counterpart and have suitable facilities, such as covered gyms. For instance, Bingawan utilized their gym last year to shelter senior citizens during extreme heat,” Defensor said in a press conference Friday, March 14.
He added that the plan will be submitted to the PDRRM Council for approval before being forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
Under the directive, cities and municipalities will receive PHP100,000 in financial aid, while barangays will be allocated PHP25,000.
These funds will be used to set up air-conditioned or temperature-regulated facilities, such as barangay halls and health stations, or to upgrade existing structures with air conditioning and capacity enhancements.
The HHI Evacuation Centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily or as determined by local authorities based on the heat index.
Defensor emphasized that the initiative is a proactive measure to address the crisis of extreme heat.
“This is a serious problem, and we must find solutions. We are prepared to release funds using what we have,” he said.
Barangays and municipalities are encouraged to process their requests and submit necessary documents to access the allocated funds.
Local government units (LGUs) will be responsible for identifying suitable facilities, ensuring proper management, and implementing health protocols.
