Catapang orders procurement of sando, consistent water supply for PDLs

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Tuesday ordered the procurement of singlets for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as well as a consistent supply of water in all facilities amid rising heat index levels.

In a statement, BuCor said Catapang ordered CT/CSupt. Ma Cecilia Villanueva, the acting director for Health and Welfare Services (DHWS) and chief of the New Bilibid Prison Hospital, to prepare accordingly.

PDLs usually wear orange t-shirts.

This came after state weather bureau PAGASA announced that the country is starting to transition from rainy to dry season.

Due to this, Villanueva ordered all Health service chiefs under the bureau to monitor and implement preventive actions.  She directed them to report to the DHWS office within 24 hours. 

Aside from this, Villanueva issued a memorandum containing warnings regarding common summer diseases and conditions. BuCor said she adopted health tips issued by the Health Department.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels in contrast to the actual air temperature. 

A heat index between 42°C and 51°C falls under the “danger” classification, posing health risks such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro previously said the government is taking steps to prepare for the potential economic impact of the rising heat index levels.—AOL, GMA Integrated News