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