In a proactive bid to protect residents from dangerously high temperatures, the Iloilo City Government is finalizing plans for the establishment of cooling centers across various barangays while ramping up its water distribution efforts.
The initiative was announced by Mayor Raisa Treñas as part of the city’s two-pronged approach to combating the extreme heat index currently scorching not only the city but also the whole Western Visayas region.
The cooling centers, according to the mayor, will serve as immediate, short-term relief for vulnerable populations, while intensified tree-planting campaigns are being pushed as the city’s long-term strategy to combat urban heat.
The blueprint for the city’s thermal relief strategy is backed by international best practices. Last month, personnel from the Office of the City Agriculturist, Office of the City Planning and Development, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) traveled to Thailand to undergo a specialized training focused on equipping local governments with effective climate response mechanisms, notably highlighting the successful setup and management of urban cooling centers.
To expedite the rollout and optimize resources, Treñas clarified that the local government will not be constructing new infrastructure. Instead, the city will identify, utilize, and convert existing strategic locations and temporary structures to serve as these much-needed cooling zones.
A comprehensive implementation plan is currently in its final drafting stages by the involved City Hall departments. To ensure a cohesive policy, the mayor noted that the final plan will heavily incorporate the Heat Safety Protocols resolution recently introduced by City Councilor Alan Zaldivar.
Beyond providing shaded and cooled environments, the city is also addressing immediate hydration and sanitation needs. Treñas confirmed that localized water distribution initiatives are already in full swing, strictly prioritizing areas and communities currently grappling with limited access to a stable water supply.
Through these combined efforts, the city government hopes to mitigate the health risks associated with the prolonged dry season and safeguard the well-being of the Ilonggo community.IMT
