Acting on the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa has released updated interim guidelines on preventing and managing extreme heat health impacts. DOH Department Memorandum No. 2025-0114, dated and first circulated on March 7, 2025, outlines measures to combat heat’s health impacts.
The heat index (Tagalog: damang init) is expected to rise in the next few days heading into the peak of the country’s dry season.
DOH DM 2025-0114 directs all DOH units, including Department-retained hospitals and health facilities like the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers, to implement key strategies themselves and cascade them to and coordinate with local government units (LGUs) through mechanisms like PuroKalusugan (PK), which was launched in a recent National Health Sector Meeting (NHSM).
The key strategies are grouped into service continuity, which includes facility and staff preparedness and networking; public health literacy; establishment of cooling centers; climate-resilient health infrastructure, which provides for hydration stations; and prompt detection and monitoring of heat-related illnesses.
Cooling centers are air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas close to public transportation routes that shall be made available and accessible to the general public, prioritizing the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. Hydration stations will continuously provide clean and safe drinking water to the public in all DOH facilities, especially during the anticipated peak hot hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
“The Department of Health and the entire government are prepared to face the hot weather. Always check the PAGASA heat index forecast for your area or vicinity. Wear loose, white or light-colored, and lightweight clothing,” said Secretary Herbosa. “Always drink clean water, and avoid the heat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 911, 1555 (DOH), or 143 (Philippine Red Cross) for emergencies,” added the Health Chief.