Iloilo continues to experience danger level heat, prompting experts to warn residents anew of its potential harms.
On May 9 and 10, 2026, a weekend, the heat index in Iloilo City and Iloilo Province reached up to 43 and 44 degrees celsius, based on data from PAGASA.
For at least five days, the heat index in the province has never dropped below 40 degrees celsius.
“Delikado ito since na under ito sa danger category. Meaning, posible itong magdulot ng mga heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and also, continuous exposure possible magdulot din ng heat stroke,” said Engr. Rolly Cuenca, weather forecaster of PAGASA Iloilo.
PAGASA classifies the heat index into four:
- Caution (27°C-32°C): Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure.
- Extreme Caution (33°C-41°C): Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
- Danger (42°C-51°C): Heat exhaustion is likely; heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure.
- Extreme Danger (52°C and higher): Heat stroke is highly likely.
The town of Dumangas has already recorded a heat-related incident.
Based on records of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), a truck driver suffered from hypertension and had to be responded to on May 6, 2026.
The driver regained his health, eventually, after receiving first aid.
Cristel Debil, an e-bike driver, is also another resident with hypertension so he makes sure he takes his maintenance medicine before going out.
“Mahirap kasi hindi maayos ang pakiramdam at sumasakit ang ulo namin,” he said.
Another e-bike driver, Richard Buhawi, said he takes a rest each time he feels unwell.
“Kung matindi na, naghahanap ng masisilungan, nagpapalamig muna at kapag okay-okay na, namamasada na naman ulit,” he said.
