MCWD: Supply remains stable

With the onset of the warm and dry season, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has issued an advisory on preventing heat-related illnesses, while the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) assures consumers that the current water supply remains stable but urges conservation efforts.

- Jonnavie Villa Caecent No-ot Magsumbol Staff Members

In Regional Circular No. 2025-0040 released yesterday, DOH-7 urged local health officials and other stakeholders to take proactive measures in response to the escalating heat index.

According to the health department, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, digestive issues, infections, asthma attacks, and other health complications.

The circular highlighted that workers in hightemperature environments are particularly vulnerable, with workplace injuries increasing by 6-9 percent when temperatures exceed 32°C and by 10-15 percent when they reach 37°C or higher.

Chronic heart and kidney diseases are also more likely to develop among workers repeatedly exposed to strenuous labor under high temperatures.

Children's learning efficiency is also at risk, with the DOH-7 citing studies that show every 0.56°C increase in temperature throughout the school year reduces learning efficiency by 1 percent.

In response, the Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) has directed schools to shift to blended learning if the heat index surpasses 44°C.

The DOH-7 outlined precautionary measures based on heat index levels: Above 52°C: Cancel all outdoor and physically intensive activities, including field trips and sports events; and 42°C to 51°C: Restrict activities for vulnerable individuals and increase hydration breaks.

If the temperature is 33°C to 41°C, schools are to reschedule outdoor activities to cooler hours and provide additional rest periods, while 27°C to 32°C temperature merits the monitoring of participants for signs of heat illness, though activities can generally continue.