The Philippines across the nation is suffering from a record-breaking heatwave this week. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a red alert for public health, forecasting that the feels-like temperature in some areas will soar to a dangerous level of 50℃. In particular, Los Baños in Luzon Island is expected to experience a peak feels-like temperature of 50℃ on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of extreme heat.   

The feels-like temperature is an index that indicates the degree of heat that the human body actually feels, considering not only the air temperature but also the humidity, making it a more accurate standard for judging health risks. PAGASA classifies feels-like temperatures between 42℃ and 51℃ as the ‘danger’ level, warning that prolonged outdoor activities or strenuous exercise can very likely lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening heatstroke.   

‘Danger’ level feels-like temperatures are also expected in at least 17 areas in Luzon and the Visayas Islands. San Ildefonso in Bulacan is expected to reach 47℃, while Sangley Point and Ambulong in Batangas, and Baler are forecast to record feels-like temperatures of 43~44℃. Metro Manila is also experiencing persistently high temperatures and humidity, with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) weather station already measuring a feels-like temperature of 42℃ on Tuesday.   

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to take extra precautions to minimize health damage caused by the heatwave. Recommended preventive measures include wearing light and loose-fitting clothing, avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (especially between 10 AM and 4 PM), drinking plenty of fluids, and seeking cool spaces with shade or air conditioning. The DOH also urged the public to pay attention to and check on the health conditions of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions.   

The Philippines already experienced an extreme heatwave last summer, with the feels-like temperature in Iba reaching 53℃. This has raised concerns that this year's situation could be even more severe.   

Not only the Philippines but most parts of Southeast Asia are currently experiencing higher-than-average temperatures, exacerbated by the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Experts point out that this extreme heat is worsening due to the climate crisis caused by global warming, leading to an increase in average temperatures and the frequency of extreme heatwaves. Climate change is not just about rising temperatures but is causing extreme weather phenomena that threaten human survival and has become a global issue.   

As the high-temperature conditions are expected to continue until the end of this week, the Philippine government and health authorities have once again emphasized the need for the public to be vigilant and fully prepared for the heatwave. Along with individual efforts, proactive responses and support from the government are urgently needed.

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