At least 37 students of Daniel Maramba National High School in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan were sent to the school clinic after experiencing vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and nosebleeds due to extreme heat.

According to Celeste Galvino, the school nurse, the students showed clear symptoms of heat exhaustion.

"We provided a safe place, we put them on a lying position, nag-administer po kami ng oxygen, and then kinuha po mga vital signs nila," Galvino said.

"Doon po sa dalawang kaso namin ng nosebleeding, we positioned the patient properly, nag-cold compress na kami, and then, yung iba naman po, they were advised to hydrate dahil nga sa init ng panahon," she added.

Before the incident, the school had already prepared for the high temperatures by providing portable drinking water in classrooms, keeping windows open for ventilation, and adding electric fans.

However, the sudden spike in the heat index still caught them off guard.

“Hindi talaga namin inaasahan ‘yun kasi, in the morning maganda pa yung lamig ng panahon. Pero suddenly, pagsapit ng 1 to 2 [p.m.], doon parang bumulusok 'yung heat index,” Domingo Doroteo Umangay, Assistant Principal, said.

All 37 students have recovered and have returned to school.

LGU RESPONSE

In response, the local government of Sta. Barbara issued an Executive Order, directing all schools, from preschool to high school, to hold face-to-face classes only in the morning, while shifting to modular or blended learning in the afternoon.

The Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1 is advising the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and carry sun protection like umbrellas or hats to avoid heat-related illnesses.

“From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ang pinakamataas na heat index at ito ang ipinapanawagan natin na dapat ay nasa loob lamang ng bahay,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, CHD Region 1 Spokesperson, said.