15 C temperature brings out winter jackets in Batanes
ITBAYAT, BATANES—Children went to school in this northernmost island town on Thursday morning wearing thick winter jackets as the temperature dropped to 15 degrees Celsius.
It was a welcome condition for vegetable gardeners, said agriculturist Donabel Gulaga. But clinics had to deal with complaints of cold-related ailments, like arthritis attacks, said Kristine Ponce, rural health nurse.
The town had been experiencing a cold spell and drizzles since Jan. 9.
Itbayat residents who walked to work joked about their “Alaska-like” weather. “We look like Eskimos,” said a resident who wore a thick coat.
School children wore wool bonnets, hooded cardigans and raincoats. “They love the cool weather,” said Dr. Allan Sande, head of Itbayat District Hospital. —NATHAN ALCANTARA
