The rising temperatures have taken a toll on students at Calasiao Comprehensive National High School, where 22 cases of dizziness were reported this March.

According to school nurse Blessa Zulueta, two of the most recent cases occurred on Tuesday.

“Namumutla. Pinuposiyon namin, tinataas ang paa. And then, nagpo-provide ng ventilation. Ini-sprayan ng cold water para maano [mawala] yung heat ng katawan,” she said.

In addition to dizziness, 73 students sought medical attention for headaches, mostly linked to the extreme heat.

Two cases of fainting were also recorded on March 6 and March 18, but the school nurse was able to attend to them immediately.

As summer begins, students like Grade 10 classmates Meisha Mae Villamil and Apple Parayno are taking precautions.

“Nagbabaon po lagi ng tubig. At laging umiinom. Stay hydrated po,” Villamil said.

“Nagdadala ng payong and extra clothes po,” Parayno added.

Meanwhile, the Health Emergency Management Unit of the Center for Health Development (CHD) Ilocos has yet to confirm any official heat-related cases in the region.

“May mga report ng pagkahimatay dahil sa init ng panahon. Kabilang na ang mga estudyante at nagtatrabaho sa kalsada. Pero kailangan pang i-verify,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, CHD-1 spokesperson, said.

Health authorities continue to remind the public to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if there are no urgent activities outside.

They also advise drinking plenty of water and wearing light, comfortable clothing to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.