01:04.0
He says compared to all the years he has toiled under the sun, this year is the most challenging.
01:10.6
The steel is almost unbearable.
01:12.7
At 11, we really took a rest because it was too hot.
01:17.3
We're back at 2 o'clock.
01:20.2
Some of our other workers are doing their work because it's too hot.
01:25.0
We're giving them a rest.
01:27.1
For Jefferson Aquino, who works as a lineman,
01:30.4
he's made a conscious effort to stay positive despite the grueling heat.
01:36.0
Because it's too hot, what will happen if the heat continues?
01:40.5
Also exposed to the extreme heat are aircraft marshallers and loaders who guide planes and help passengers.
01:47.4
According to an airline company, they employ various ways to ensure that their employees are protected from rising temperatures.
01:54.6
We make sure that they have protective equipment or protective gear.
01:59.1
And at the same time, we make sure that they have protective gear.
02:00.4
We have a source for hydration.
02:02.5
We have water for their clothes.
02:04.8
We also have medical personnel.
02:07.5
According to the Department of Labor and Employment Advisory No. 08 Series of 2023,
02:13.4
employers need to implement health measures amid the extreme heat.
02:17.6
This includes providing effective ventilation and heat insulation,
02:21.5
adjusting brakes so employers may recover from heat exposure,
02:25.0
providing temperature-appropriate uniforms and personal protective equipment,
02:29.4
and providing free and enough drinking water.
02:32.9
Flexible work arrangement may also be observed where work hours will be adjusted.
02:37.7
The Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development, however, criticized this labor advisory.
02:43.7
For example, one, informal sector, there's no advisory.
02:48.4
It's toothless, very weak, because advisory is mostly encouraged.
02:53.8
Employers are encouraged, but it's not really required or mandated.
02:58.5
So they don't act.
02:59.4
The non-government organization plans to talk to DOLE to push for a department order,
03:05.2
as well as with Congress to enact a law that will protect workers
03:09.0
since they expect the extreme heat to recur in the coming years.
03:13.8
We have outlined heat safety demands.
03:19.1
Basically, the major requirements are
03:21.9
one is to have paid and compensable heat breaks.
03:26.4
We also want to be, of course,
03:28.5
to be a source of water for the factories.
03:32.0
We also want to be a source of free and accessible water supply.
03:38.9
And at the same time, the shaded work areas.
03:42.3
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma admitted
03:44.9
that the labor advisory does not contain sanctions,
03:48.5
which is why they hope that employers will voluntarily follow the guidelines
03:52.5
on occupational safety and health standards in workplaces.
03:57.6
he says that the violation of standards has a corresponding fine.
04:02.8
The labor chief cited some of their programs to ensure the well-being of workers,
04:07.3
such as the inspection of their job sites,
04:10.0
conducting appropriate trainings, and information dissemination.
04:14.0
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
04:17.3
if you cannot avoid working under extreme heat,
04:20.2
do not forget to drink lots of water,
04:22.7
wear a hat and clothing that is light-colored and loose,
04:26.8
and take some time to rest.
04:30.1
Meanwhile, the Department of Health reminded the public
04:32.7
about the first aid for people who experience heat-related dizziness.
04:37.8
Alisin sa init ng araw kapag nakakita tayo ng tao na naiinitan
04:41.5
at siya po ay tingnan kung nag-responsive pa siya o hindi.
04:45.6
Kung hindi responsive, pag tinanong natin,
04:47.3
kamusta ka na, gising ka pa ba, at hindi sumasagot,
04:49.9
tumawag na ho tayo ng tulong.
04:51.6
Victoria Tulad, ABS-CBN News.
04:55.5
Joining us today on the show is the Department of Health.
04:56.6
Today on Top Story, to give us tips on how to avoid heat stroke
04:59.5
and other heat-related illnesses,
05:01.2
we're joined by Department of Health Spokesperson,
05:03.4
Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
05:05.8
Asek Domingo, welcome to Top Story. Good afternoon.
05:08.6
Hi, Stanley. Good afternoon and good afternoon to all of our televiewers and listeners.
05:13.0
Alright. Heat stroke and other heat-related diseases
05:15.4
are of course a concern these days with the extreme heat that we're experiencing.
05:19.9
At DOH now, do you have current data of actual heat stroke incidents
05:24.6
or even deaths related to these?
05:26.6
Yes, we do have summary data for all of our heat-related illnesses
05:33.0
which does include possible heat stroke.
05:35.4
This would be at the count of 34 coming from January 1 up to April 18 of this year.
05:41.9
The 34 includes already 6 cases which unfortunately passed away.
05:47.0
The causes of death are still being verified.
05:49.8
Now, we are not yet sure if all of these 34 cases are heat stroke.
05:53.5
It could be that they could also be heat exhaustion.
05:56.6
Or even heat cramps.
05:58.4
But what I can tell you is out of this 34,
06:00.8
27 were actually from one incident where there was street dancing involved.
06:05.6
I have to highlight this because we have to always caution our citizens
06:09.4
that from the time of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon,
06:13.5
this is already a tip,
06:14.7
we should not be doing activities that will tend to increase our heart rate
06:18.3
and actually add more heat to our bodies.
06:20.9
So, no to street dancing if it's a time of high heat index.
06:26.6
Unfortunately, all of the festivals in the Philippines
06:29.5
are usually scheduled along these months.
06:32.8
ASEC Domingo is the data that you're having now.
06:36.3
You mentioned 34 already incidents that had been reported to the Department of Health.
06:42.8
Is there an increase in these numbers when you compare these to non-El Nino years
06:47.5
like last year for instance, 2023?
06:51.1
Right. To give an idea of the trend,
06:53.6
in the past 5 years, the highest count that we have had,
06:56.6
for 2023, is 353 for the entire year.
07:01.8
So, we can safely say that we are not yet at that level
07:06.1
and we are not yet at half of the year,
07:09.9
So, we are not doing bad at all.
07:12.6
However, in health, we always want to keep the numbers down.
07:15.7
So, hopefully, we do not increase more
07:18.0
and as the months move on,
07:20.3
we know that there will be an El Nino,
07:22.1
as what Pacasa said, after this El Nino.
07:25.3
So, the focus will,
07:26.7
it will be different.
07:27.3
It will no longer be heat-related illness
07:29.0
as it will be something else.
07:30.3
Yes, a whole new problem that is.
07:32.5
Now, ASEC Domingo, let's talk about some misconceptions
07:35.3
and even assumptions about heat stroke,
07:38.8
particularly those who are vulnerable
07:40.9
because some people may think this is just for the sick
07:43.3
or those with pre-existing conditions
07:45.3
or those who are of the senior age
07:48.3
and some might think the younger generation
07:50.6
or the younger population is invincible in this case.
07:56.6
Anyone can actually suffer from a heat-related illness
07:59.4
or a heat stroke.
08:00.8
For example, you could actually have workers
08:03.6
and a lot, I mean, coming from our data,
08:05.7
remember, out of the 34, 27 were actually street dancers.
08:09.5
They weren't your usual young students
08:11.7
or old lolos and lolas.
08:14.0
So, they were probably physically fit
08:15.9
dancing out in the street.
08:17.5
So, that is a very poignant reminder for all of us
08:20.9
that this problem with heat stroke
08:22.9
is actually about thermoregulation.
08:25.9
Of any age, of any stature,
08:28.1
if we cannot regulate, if we cannot cool off
08:30.6
because the weather or the climate around us
08:34.5
then it can affect us.
08:36.1
It only happens to be that more cases
08:38.9
traditionally happen in the younger age groups
08:41.7
or in the older ones
08:42.7
because behaviorally,
08:44.4
either they cannot move themselves
08:46.4
from high heat areas to low heat areas.
08:49.1
You might have bedridden seniors.
08:51.2
You might have slow-moving seniors
08:53.0
because of their frailty
08:54.4
or you might have kids.
08:55.6
You might have kids who cannot walk.
08:57.0
Babies or young toddlers
08:58.8
who rely on their parents for mobility.
09:01.9
So, that is only a function of knowledge and behavior.
09:04.8
But in terms of the body,
09:06.2
anyone can be a victim of heat stroke.
09:09.1
We heard a report that featured you a while ago
09:11.2
and you were already discussing tips.
09:12.8
Let's just run through them very quickly.
09:14.9
What are the signs of heat stroke?
09:17.6
Home remedies perhaps that you can recommend?
09:21.1
Heat stroke is, again, as I mentioned,
09:23.0
a function of our inability to regulate
09:25.4
our body temperature.
09:26.7
So, most of the interventions, if not all,
09:29.2
is about cooling the body down.
09:31.2
We need to move the person
09:32.8
who appears to be already fatigued
09:35.0
or is having cramps
09:37.1
could have lost consciousness.
09:38.4
We need to move them away from the sun
09:40.6
if they're outdoors.
09:41.8
Or if they're already indoors,
09:43.1
maybe let's check the ambient temperature.
09:45.5
If the windows are closed,
09:46.6
if the door is closed,
09:48.0
then let's open them
09:48.9
and make sure that ventilation is there.
09:50.7
Of course, if it's air-conditioned,
09:53.4
And then, maybe unbutton the shirt,
09:55.4
or loosen the clothes of the person.
09:58.1
And if the person is still conscious
09:59.9
and can be discussed with,
10:02.0
can be talked to,
10:03.0
then give some sips of water
10:04.8
to allow for hydration.
10:06.4
It's often a common misconception
10:08.0
that we cannot give cold water.
10:10.5
We can give cold water.
10:12.2
The only precaution is not to give it suddenly
10:14.2
for the only reason that we do not want choking
10:16.8
or aspiration to happen.
10:18.6
Water has to go down the esophagus,
10:20.7
not the windpipe.
10:22.0
And then, while all of this is happening,
10:23.9
we should have already called
10:25.2
for help because it is important
10:27.2
for first aid that higher-level services
10:29.7
are on the way before we even initiate
10:31.9
the basic first aid.
10:34.4
Let's talk about other illnesses now
10:35.8
related with high heat.
10:37.6
What can you tell us about this?
10:39.4
Are there specific instances or cases
10:42.2
or illnesses, even diseases,
10:44.3
that we should watch out for?
10:46.4
So, apart from heat stroke,
10:47.7
the two other categories of diseases
10:49.4
we watch out for during high heat incidents
10:52.3
like El Nino or summer
10:55.1
number one category of water
10:56.9
and food-borne illnesses
10:58.1
and number two would be
11:00.1
your vector-borne diseases.
11:01.7
Let me go through them both.
11:03.1
Water is a concern right now,
11:05.9
because we are conserving water.
11:07.5
And often, in areas where the water pressure
11:10.1
in pipes goes down,
11:12.0
there might be seepage of dirty water
11:14.2
if the pipes are actually submerged in canals.
11:16.8
It's a pretty common setup in many areas.
11:19.3
So, our advice there is
11:20.6
when the water pressure comes back on
11:25.1
the faucet to be open first
11:26.5
so that water will flow out
11:27.7
and we are able to clear out
11:29.2
any deposits inside the pipes.
11:31.4
And if we are not sure,
11:32.5
we are not confident,
11:33.5
it will not hurt to boil our water
11:35.8
for at least two minutes.
11:37.2
The food-borne illnesses,
11:38.8
because of the high heat conditions,
11:41.0
bacteria thrive faster,
11:42.8
thrive more under these conditions.
11:45.4
So, I do remember around two weeks
11:48.0
or three weeks ago,
11:48.9
there was a report of a food poisoning
11:50.3
because of halo-halo.
11:54.0
we're actually entertaining,
11:55.2
two possible causes.
11:56.3
One would be the water used
11:58.0
could have been from ice,
11:60.0
which is not from drinking water.
12:01.8
It could have been from
12:02.6
a general source of water.
12:04.2
So, be careful also with the ice.
12:06.0
Make sure that when you buy something,
12:07.6
especially drinks with lots of ice,
12:09.6
that the vendor is using
12:11.0
drinking water quality ice.
12:12.9
And then for the milk,
12:14.4
because if you're eating
12:15.7
or drinking food or drink
12:17.4
that has a lot of dairy in it
12:20.0
this will also be prone
12:21.1
to a bacterial growth.
12:22.8
The general category number three,
12:24.8
which we want to talk about,
12:25.1
which we watch out for
12:25.8
during high heat conditions
12:27.2
would be your vector-borne illnesses.
12:29.3
Still related to the fact
12:31.0
that when we have conditions
12:32.7
that make us store water,
12:34.7
then you have a lot of,
12:35.7
imagine you have a lot of drums,
12:37.2
you have a lot of containers
12:38.1
where water is there
12:40.1
that we're conserving water,
12:41.5
but we forget to put covers on.
12:43.6
And that is actually
12:45.3
inviting mosquitoes.
12:46.1
The mosquitoes again, right?
12:48.1
And they will lay eggs
12:49.3
and you will have larvae
12:50.5
or kitikiti in Tagalog,
12:51.9
which will develop into mosquitoes
12:53.2
that could actually bring in dengue
12:56.8
we have not seen increases
12:58.4
in the trends in dengue,
13:01.4
it's just been incidents
13:02.3
of food poisoning
13:03.2
isolated in areas.
13:04.5
So we continually remind
13:07.5
their water storage containers
13:12.3
to consume dry foods,
13:18.1
maybe the adobos,
13:22.4
does not grow that much
13:25.1
or acidic conditions.
13:27.4
What about sunburn,
13:29.9
I mean, this is not just
13:30.6
a concern perhaps
13:31.4
of those on vacation,
13:32.6
but a lot of our fellow Filipinos
13:35.0
are exposed to the sun
13:37.9
I'm talking about
13:38.3
construction workers.
13:40.7
about airport personnel,
13:47.6
How concerning is sunburn
13:49.5
and what should one do
13:53.1
Sunburn is because of,
13:55.1
exposure to the sun's rays,
13:56.5
particularly to the
13:57.3
ultraviolet rays of the sun,
13:59.2
and it does roast our skin.
14:01.4
So you have literally a burn
14:03.5
and it's uncomfortable.
14:05.3
But more than that,
14:06.1
what's bothering us,
14:07.0
if we keep on getting exposed
14:08.6
to the UV rays of the sun
14:10.7
for a long period,
14:11.9
it can actually lead
14:15.1
the melanin in our skin,
14:16.8
naturally in Filipinos,
14:19.1
would help protect us.
14:20.2
But we still need
14:21.0
to use a sunblock.
14:23.1
to use a sunblock.
14:24.7
there are many forms now.
14:25.9
It can be a lotion,
14:26.7
it can be a spray.
14:27.8
What's important is
14:28.6
you have a sun protection factor
14:30.2
of at least a 30,
14:32.9
And if you are swimming,
14:35.6
at certain periods,
14:38.9
of having dipped in the water.
14:41.8
a great question, Stanley,
14:43.0
especially for our workers.
14:45.0
that just because
14:45.6
we are not swimming,
14:47.9
we don't have to use a sunblock.
14:50.2
If you are exposed to the sun,
14:52.2
you need to use a sunblock.
14:56.0
we have a lot of,
14:58.1
in the Philippines,
14:59.6
staying in urban areas,
15:00.8
but not all of them
15:01.7
have air conditioning.
15:05.8
informal settlers.
15:07.1
So what can one do
15:08.3
if you have no air conditioning
15:09.3
and you're at home
15:10.8
and the heat index
15:12.5
is off the charts?
15:15.3
So most of the advice
15:18.9
architects and designers.
15:20.7
from how to cool the body.
15:22.8
So it's important,
15:25.8
it's better to drink
15:26.7
lukewarm to cold water.
15:29.3
that is a very quick way
15:30.6
of cooling ourselves off.
15:37.6
the cold beverages,
15:39.6
they actually do help.
15:40.9
It's better to have
15:43.7
plain cold water.
15:46.9
to wear wide-brimmed hats.
15:51.0
and it also keeps us cool.
15:52.8
And for our clothes,
15:54.1
to be of light colors.
15:57.2
a common question to me.
15:59.4
especially for schools
16:02.1
who are out there
16:02.9
without air conditioning?
16:04.4
If it is possible
16:05.4
to have our uniforms
16:10.1
which would bounce
16:13.4
because dark colors
16:16.9
while it may make you
16:19.3
it's not good for the heat.
16:20.8
It's going to actually
16:24.1
small, quick wins
16:25.5
that we can choose
16:28.9
A wealth of advice there.
16:30.3
Thank you so much,
16:31.0
ASEC Albert Domingo,
16:32.0
for joining the show today.
16:33.4
Thank you so much, Stanley,
16:34.7
and to the entire
16:35.4
ABS-CBN News family.
16:39.7
a slight reduction
16:41.1
expected next week.
16:43.4
a liter of gasoline
16:45.7
by up to 60 centavos,
16:47.9
while kerosene prices
16:49.6
by at least 70 centavos.
16:55.0
in the Bali-Katan exercises
16:57.1
by a Chinese naval vessel
16:58.5
inside the Philippines'
16:59.9
exclusive economic zone.
17:02.3
The People's Liberation Army
17:05.3
tailing the group,
17:06.7
even coming as close
17:07.7
as 300 nautical miles
17:09.4
from the BRP Davao del Sur.
17:12.3
Commander Marcos Andalo,
17:13.7
commanding officer
17:14.4
of the BRP Davao del Sur,
17:16.1
says the Philippines' side
17:18.2
will raise a radio challenge
17:19.8
if Chinese vessels
17:21.7
to the Philippines.
17:27.1
The maritime exercises
17:30.7
drills and search and rescue,
17:33.5
and amphibious raids.
17:36.5
The Philippine Defense Department
17:38.3
denying any involvement
17:40.2
secret deal with China
17:41.7
over the West Philippine Sea.
17:43.6
The agency is responding
17:44.8
to Beijing's accusations.
17:49.7
the rusting BRP Sierra Madre
17:52.0
war against China.
17:54.5
it has not had contact
17:55.9
with any Chinese official
17:59.1
It also placed down
18:00.9
as a mere propaganda
18:04.2
to steer public attention
18:05.6
from the real issue.
18:07.4
It asserts the agency
18:09.4
into any agreement
18:10.3
that will compromise
18:11.4
the Philippine sovereignty.
18:13.4
The Duterte administration
18:16.6
gentleman's agreement,
18:18.3
but it denied conceding
18:19.8
the country's sovereignty
18:22.0
Philippine Senators
18:26.1
power supply woes.
18:27.4
Senator Rafi Tulfo,
18:29.6
Committee on Energy,
18:30.7
says they want to
18:32.1
scrutinize thinning
18:34.3
affecting power grids
18:35.5
and the rising costs
18:39.0
For Senator Sherwin Gatchalian,
18:40.5
he wants the Energy
18:41.3
Regulatory Commission
18:43.0
the rising number
18:43.9
of faulty power plants
18:46.2
at a time of soaring demand.
18:48.6
Gatchalian maintains
18:49.5
someone should be
18:50.9
on the issue of power.
18:51.1
The Duterte administration
18:51.2
says that the Duterte
18:52.5
the energy department
18:53.8
admitted the nation's
18:57.0
crisis proportions.
19:00.0
We will take a short break.
19:01.7
Stay with Top Story.
19:15.0
Welcome back to Top Story.
19:18.1
now required to undergo
19:19.4
a more stringent procedure
19:21.0
with the migrant workers
19:23.2
As Sen. Hernandez tells us,
19:24.6
it's part of government's
19:25.5
efforts to prevent
19:26.4
illegal recruitment.
19:29.5
Like many Filipinos,
19:31.5
Evelyn and her husband Raymond
19:34.8
and living in another country.
19:36.9
Although they are currently
19:37.9
looking at job vacancies
19:40.1
they are hoping to build
19:41.3
enough work experience
19:42.9
to eventually work
19:44.7
and live in Canada.
19:47.8
with our sacrifice,
19:52.0
we can bring our family there.
19:54.0
What is the salary there?
19:56.5
compared to the previous
20:01.2
And our family is safe there.
20:03.9
At least we can be together there.
20:05.3
The Department of Migrant Workers
20:07.7
however warned against
20:09.2
immigration consultancy firms
20:11.3
dabbling in illegal recruitment
20:13.3
activities for Canada.
20:15.3
These firms charge exorbitant
20:17.3
fees in exchange for a
20:19.1
supposed shorter processing time
20:21.3
for permanent residency in Canada
20:23.5
by way of employment.
20:25.8
To rectify the situation,
20:27.7
the DMW issued an advisory
20:29.7
requiring all Filipinos
20:32.7
under programs such as
20:34.7
the Atlantic Immigration,
20:36.4
Open Work Permits,
20:37.8
Postgraduate Work Permit,
20:39.5
Home Child Care Provider,
20:41.2
or Home Support Worker,
20:42.8
and Religious Workers
20:44.0
to go through DMW processing.
20:46.9
A supplemental advisory
20:48.1
detailed that process
20:51.3
Registration with the DMW,
20:53.4
submission of necessary
20:54.6
employment and travel documents,
20:59.1
a special exit clearance
21:00.7
addressed to the Bureau of Immigration.
21:04.0
itong mga huling buwan,
21:05.3
may dalawa tayong pinasara
21:08.5
immigration consultancies
21:10.1
hindi resensyado ng DMW.
21:12.3
Pero nagre-recruit
21:13.2
ng workers for Canada.
21:19.1
ay way of monitoring.
21:21.3
The welfare and well-being
21:23.0
of our families in Canada.
21:24.7
The Philippine Association
21:26.4
of Service Exporters, Inc.,
21:28.3
a group of licensed
21:29.5
recruitment agencies
21:30.6
confirmed a huge demand
21:35.1
and manufacturing workers
21:37.3
But the group reminds
21:38.5
applicants that Canada
21:39.9
does not ask for placement fees
21:41.9
and that permanent residency
21:48.2
turn to illegal recruiters
21:49.9
due to the lengthy,
21:51.3
and arduous application process.
21:54.7
despite a thousand job vacancies
21:56.6
being offered to Filipinos
21:58.1
in Canada every year,
21:59.9
only 100 or 10 percent
22:02.4
of applicants make it through.
22:05.0
Talagang they're opening the market.
22:09.6
dadaan sa butas ng karayong
22:11.2
kasi point system.
22:13.9
So, kailangan talagang
22:15.8
may experience ka.
22:17.5
Pagkasinabi sa inyo,
22:19.3
kailangan may bayad ng ganito.
22:21.3
Magkita tayo saan man.
22:24.2
Yan ay iligal po yan.
22:28.1
of illegal recruiters
22:30.6
not only to Canada
22:31.9
but also in Europe.
22:33.5
The group has also noted
22:35.8
in third country recruitment schemes
22:40.5
in a certain country
22:41.7
are recruited to go
22:43.2
to another country illegally.
22:46.2
Iniinganyo ng akapwa Pilipino
22:49.1
na dito ka na kasi
22:50.4
malaki ang sense.
22:51.3
Pero ang nangyayari,
22:59.0
After two months,
23:00.3
wala ka ng trabaho.
23:01.9
Tapos malaki ang sweldo.
23:03.5
Pero ikaw ang magbabayad
23:07.3
transportation mo,
23:10.0
lahat yun babayaran mo.
23:12.8
The DMW advises overseas workers
23:15.6
who would like to explore jobs
23:17.7
in other countries
23:18.7
to finish their active contracts
23:21.3
and return to the Philippines
23:23.1
before entering a new application process
23:26.0
with either a private
23:27.7
licensed recruitment agency
23:29.2
or through a government-to-government track.
23:32.2
The process allows the Philippine government
23:34.0
to have the ability
23:35.3
to monitor the whereabouts
23:36.9
and situation of all overseas Filipino workers
23:39.9
to ensure their safety
23:41.5
and respond to their needs
23:43.1
in case of any emergency.
23:45.5
Applicants meanwhile may call DMW hotlines
23:48.1
or check their official website
23:49.9
to validate the status of their work.
23:50.9
They can also update the status
23:51.6
of any recruitment agency
23:55.2
Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News.
23:59.4
Those were the top stories today.
24:01.3
I'm Stanley Paliza.
24:02.3
You can watch exclusive content
24:03.7
and highlights as well as recaps
24:05.3
of our shows online.
24:07.3
Thank you so much for watching.
24:20.9
Thank you for watching.
