As temperatures rise, ice production in Barangay Ambonao, Calasiao has increased to meet growing demand.

Jayson Mayrina, a vendor from Sta. Barbara, was among the early customers at the ice plant, purchasing four blocks of ice for his halo-halo business.

“[Para sa] mga nagtitinda ng halo-halo... sa puwesto ng bayan ng Sta. Barbara,” Mayrina said.

Each ice block still costs P350, but prices are expected to rise in the coming weeks as demand continues to grow.

Ice plant operator Francisco Fernando confirmed that production now reaches over 200 ice blocks daily due to the intense heat.

“’Pag marami, sobra-sobra sa quota namin ‘yung hina-harvest namin, production namin,” Fernando said.

Customers travel from Dagupan, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Lingayen, and even La Union to buy ice from the plant.

Meanwhile, ice plant staff assured the public that their water source is safe and clean.

“Nagpapa-water analysis po kami every month po,” Marissa Parayno, an ice plant employee, said.

The price of tube ice remains stable at P35 to P65, depending on size, ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 kilos.

However, health experts warn that contaminated ice can cause waterborne diseases if not sourced from clean water.

“Kapag ‘yung pinagkuhanan ng ibinebentang yelo ay isang unsafe na drinking water source, at mayroon bacteria o contamination, nagkakaroon din sila ng waterborne diseases,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of CHD-1, said.