Iloilo city: Two of the three cooling hubs established by the city government in response to the high heat index were officially opened to the public on Wednesday. Mayor Raisa Tre±as, in a media interview, stated that the two stations are located along Diversion Road in Mandurriao District and General Luna Street in City Proper. The third hub at the Plazoleta Gay, also in City Proper, is currently being installed.
According to Philippines News Agency, each facility can accommodate up to 20 persons at a time and is equipped with a water station and a medical team composed of a nurse or a midwife and a barangay health worker (BHW). "The nurse will make the necessary assessment in case of emergency cases, and our BHW is on standby for the vital check. We have an on-call doctor. Our operation will be from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon," City Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said in an interview. She further mentioned that they will also provide rehydration solutions to augment electrolytes.
Meanwhile, Diaz advised the public to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours, or ensure they wear protection, such as an umbrella and hat, use light and loose-fitting clothes, and avoid or limit strenuous activities under the direct heat. General Services Office head Neil Ravena highlighted that the facility could be the first circular economy-inspired hub in the country, with materials mostly repurposed out of plastic waste, including the chairs, table, and flexible flooring. The container van was sourced from other city government projects and repurposed as a cooling hub.
The air conditioning unit is solar-powered, with solar panels capable of producing one kilowatt of power. Tre±as noted that once the high heat index subsides, it can again be repurposed into a rain shelter and rainwater harvesting area. In addition to the city government cooling hubs, the mayor plans to meet with private establishments interested in establishing their own cooling stations. Tre±as assured that the city government would assist private establishments with design and review the air conditioning unit's capacity to improve temperature control.
The mayor also encouraged the public to bring their own water bottles and feel free to refill them at the water station. Since the onset of the dry season, certain areas in the city have recorded a heat index up to 46°C.
