• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance promoting heat safety and preventing heat-related illnesses amidst the rising heat index in Bacolod City, was recently approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading.
Authored by Councilor Em Ang, the resolution said the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 34 official cases of severe heat-related illnesses nationwide during the early dry season peak, including six fatalities, with the vast majority of cases affecting youth aged 12 to 21 years old engaged in outdoor activities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded dangerous heat indices across Negros Occidental reaching 40 to 41 degrees Celsius in early 2026, prompting multiple local government units to repeatedly suspend face-to-face classes, it said.
The extreme dry weather has also triggered environmental hazards, with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod City logging 62 grass fire incidents in April 2026 alone, further exacerbating air quality issues and heat stress for vulnerable communities, the ordinance said.
Rising heat indexes in Bacolod City pose increasing and immediate risks of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, particularly for outdoor workers, students, the elderly, and persons with comorbidities, it said.
Heat-related illnesses are highly preventable through proactive public health measures, institutionalized workplace safety protocols, and a coordinated government response, it added.
The objectives of the proposed ordinance is to reduce incidence of heat-related illnesses in Bacolod City; promote public awareness on heat safety and prevention; and mandate precautionary measures in workplaces, schools, and public places.
The city government is mandated to implement public health and awareness advisories and guidelines; establish shaded rest areas in public facilities and provide access to water; mandate heat stress breaks and access to water for outdoor workers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the heat index reaches the “danger” level of 40C or higher.
Require public and private schools to suspend outdoor activities and implement alternative learning modalities when the heat index reaches the “extreme danger” level of 52°C or higher, per DepEd guidelines; conduct mandatory heat safety training for barangay tanods, security personnel, and public utility drivers.
Ensure that the City Health Office and all barangay health stations are equipped with first aid kits and protocols for heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and activate the Bacolod City DRRMO heat response protocol when PAGASA issues heat index warnings.
The city will create the “Heat-Safe Workplace Recognition Program” to acknowledge establishments that consistently implement heat safety measures beyond minimum requirements.
The proposed ordinance was also co-authored by Councilors Psyche Marie Sy, Roberto Rojas, and Homer Bais.*
