Heat vulnerability map needed for Metro Manila

Heat index or “init factor” and real feel temperature are very common terms today.

While air temperature ranges from a high of 37 degrees Celsius around the country and 35C for Metro Manila, the heat index temperature is rising.

On Wednesday, Dagupan City in Pangasinan recorded a 48.2C heat index while Cuyo in Palawan, Sangley Point in Cavite, and Cotabato and Maguindanao had 41.4C.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) says the heat index in Metro Manila peaked at 40.8C on Saturday, specifically at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Pasay station. The next day, it went up to 42C.

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued warnings about cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke due to the soaring temperatures. But sadly, the public remains unaware of the dangers posed by the heat.

While we have a projected temperature increase map of the country created by the Manila Observatory and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), we still do not have heat vulnerability maps for Metro Manila and other cities.

If one goes to the United States and Australia, their major cities have extreme heat maps to inform citizens of the dangers posed by external heat waves or a very high init factor.

Here, there are no coordinated efforts from the government to inform and warn the public when temperatures soar.

The DENR, DOH, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, local government units and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council must issue an up-to-date heat index vulnerability map for Metro Manila ASAP.

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With just 34 days before the polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) appears ineffective in curbing rampant campaign violations under the Omnibus Election code.

Section 97.1 considers unlawful the holding of dances, bingo and other games, beauty contests, lotteries or other forms of entertainment in support of any candidate.

Section 97.2 says it is unlawful for a person or organization to accept gifts, food, transportation, cash contributions or donations from any candidate or their representatives.

These provisions are very clear yet they are violated every time in every political meeting, with Comelec insisting on “crowdsourcing” complaints, forcing or convincing people to testify as the case progresses.

There are 15,000 Comelec officials and employees nationwide. Why can’t they implement these laws?

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In a recent media meeting, Globe Telecom officers advised there would be cell phone service shutdowns in the coming weeks ranging from 30 minutes to four hours. These will happen initially in rural areas but cities will also be affected later on.

Globe said the shutdowns were part of its cell site maintenance program and were necessary to further improve its services. I’m hopeful.

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