POSD monitors fainting incidents in Baguio market
by Rahndal Rico
April 6, 2024
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Amid El Niño heat, some fish vendors in Hilltop market experienced fainting spells and dizziness, according to the report of Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) Baguio.
POSD enforcer Richard Buccat said they encountered two fainting incidents in the market on April 2 and 3.
Buccat also said they frequently receive reports of dizziness from older people with diabetes and hypertension.
“Karamihan sa mga [cases] dito sa market ay ‘yung may edad na. ‘Yung may highblood, mostly yung may diabetes,” he said.
However, on April 2, Tuesday, Buccat assisted a 19-year-old fish vendor who fainted and required immediate medical assistance.
“Mainit po. Tapos sumasabay pa po ‘yung dysmenorrhea ko, nakatayo ka pa po maghapon,” said fish vendor Renelyn Labolabo.
Labolabo also suspected that it might be because their store is directly exposed to sunlight.
On that same day, Baguio City logged a heat index of 28 degree Celsius categorized under “caution” wherein prolonged exposure and activity could lead to fatigue and heat cramps, according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services and Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA also forecasted a dangerous heat index in some nearby provinces of Baguio in the first week of April.
Dagupan City, Pangasinan recorded a heat index of 45 degrees Celsius; Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, 41 degrees Celsius, and La Union, 46 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera released a public health advisory on Thursday and implemented measures such as hydrating and limiting outdoor activities to prevent heat-related illnesses brought by El Niño.
