Cooling stations set up in Iloilo City as heat index rises

ILOILO CITY — The city government here has begun installing cooling stations in key public areas to provide immediate relief to commuters and pedestrians amid intensifying heat conditions.

An initial unit is currently being set up along Diversion Road in Mandurriao, with two more stations scheduled for installation on General Luna Street and Plazoleta Gay on April 29 as part of a pilot rollout.

City officials said the cooling and water stations are intended to serve as temporary resting areas, particularly for commuters waiting for public utility vehicles and taxis during peak heat hours. The stations will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when temperatures and heat index levels are typically at their highest.

READ: Beating the heat: Iloilo City to set up cooling centers 

The initiative comes as several parts of Western Visayas continue to experience elevated heat index levels in recent days, prompting local governments to adopt mitigation measures to reduce heat-related risks.

Authorities said the pilot sites were selected based on high foot traffic and commuter volume. If proven effective, the city plans to expand the installation of cooling stations to other crowded areas.

Personnel from the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Health Office will also be deployed to the sites to assist individuals who may experience heat-related symptoms and to respond quickly to emergencies.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said the move is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and welfare as extreme heat persists. /das