SOUTH COTABATO — The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) has intensified its call for residents to take proactive steps against heat-related illnesses as soaring temperatures continue to affect communities across the province.
Eldon Hans Serame, Health Education and Promotion Officer, emphasized that while the public cannot control extreme heat, its impact on health can be significantly reduced through simple daily practices.
“Hindi man naton mapunggan ang kainit sang panahon subong, pero pwede naton malikayan ang mga sakit nga dala sini. Sa simple nga pag-inom sang tubig, pag-maintain sang kalimpyo sang aton palibot kag panimalay, kag pagpahuway, dako na ini nga bulig sa aton,” Serame said.
(“While we may not be able to stop the extreme heat, we can prevent the illnesses it brings. Simple actions such as drinking enough water, maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings and homes, and getting adequate rest can already make a big difference.”)
He explained that staying hydrated, maintaining cleanliness in households and surroundings, and ensuring adequate rest—especially during peak heat hours—are essential in preventing heat-related conditions.
Health officials warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures may lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and individuals working outdoors.
The OPHO also stressed the importance of community awareness and discipline in adapting to current weather conditions, noting that small preventive measures can collectively reduce health risks.
As temperatures remain high in South Cotabato, the provincial government continues to encourage residents to stay alert, prioritize their well-being, and practice responsible health habits to avoid complications caused by extreme heat.
