Tourists chilled as PAGASA records 20°C in Tagaytay

Tourists who flocked to Tagaytay this weekend felt the cold breeze as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded 20°C in the city as of Sunday, 6 p.m.

In a “24 Oras Weekend” report by Jonathan Andal, the sun may have been bright in the popular tourist destination yet interviewed visitors said they could feel the colder weather.

Some said they needed to “tiis ganda” amid the cold for the sake of their outfits of the day, while others said the cold was bearable as they were with their loved ones.

According to PAGASA, this was the coldest reported temperature since the start of the Amihan season on October 25.

The PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City recorded 20.4°C, while Baguio City reached 11.4°C.

It noted that the cold surge—which was usually felt in January—was being felt now because the Amihan also started early this year.

“January at February, mararanasan pa rin po natin itong mga malalamig na temperatura at mataas pa rin po ‘yung mga probability,” said Ana Solis, PAGASA Chief of Monitoring and Prediction Section.

(The probability is high that we can still experience these cold temperatures even until January and February.)

Medical experts warned the public to take care of their health more and continue to follow the minimum public health standards as viruses are more active in this kind of weather and can cause common colds.

“So, mga pasyenteng sensitibo na, halimbawa may allergic rhinitis o may asthma, tapos mae-expose pa sila sa pollutants na dala ng amihan, pwede ring ma-trigger yung kanilang allergic colds,” said pulmonologist Dr. Rommel Tipones.

(So, patients that are already sensitive, like those with allergic rhinitis or asthma, may get their allergic colds triggered when exposed to pollutants brought by the Amihan.)

The whole country is under a COVID-19 Alert Level 2 beginning Friday. Under this alert level, indoor establishments such as malls can operate at 50% capacity with an additional 10% capacity if they have a safety seal. For outdoor establishments, 70% is allowed. — Giselle Ombay/DVM, GMA News