ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo provincial government has allocated P43 million to establish Hazardous Heat Index (HHI) Evacuation Centers across municipalities and barangays in response to the rising temperatures expected from March to May.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. signed Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2025, mandating the implementation of Minimum Public Health Standards for Hazardous Heat Index throughout the province.

The measure aligns with Department of Health Circular No. 0161 which outlines recommended actions to mitigate hazardous heat effects.

It also complies with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum Order No. 66 and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum Order No. 08, both issued on 4 March.

The initiative seeks to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect vulnerable residents, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Defensor said the funds would come from donations, subsidies from the Office of the Governor, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office trust fund.

“We will still formulate the program guidelines, similar to what we did before when we released assistance for African Swine Fever. One requirement is that LGUs must offer a counterpart and have suitable facilities, such as covered gyms. For instance, Bingawan utilized their gym last year to shelter senior citizens during extreme heat,” Defensor said during a press conference on 14 March.