13/05/2026
๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐
๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ณ ๐คฐโค๏ธ
As the country continues to experience dangerously high temperatures brought about by extreme heat and the worsening impacts of climate change, communities across Mindanao are feeling the effects more intensely than ever before. In many areas, prolonged heat indices have posed serious health risks, especially to vulnerable sectors such as pregnant women, children, older persons, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
In line with the celebration of Motherโs Day and the continued commitment to climate action for health, the La Paz Primary Care Facility (PCF) conducted a community health education activity during the Idol Ko Si Nanay Training in Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz, Agusan del Sur โ recognized as the farthest barangay of the municipality. The initiative aimed to empower pregnant mothers and community members with practical knowledge on heat-related illnesses, prevention strategies, hydration, nutrition, and maternal health during periods of extreme heat.
Leading the discussion was Mariel H. Vasquez, RM, Rural Health Midwife and designated Heat Safety Officer of the La Paz Primary Care Facility. During her lecture, she emphasized that pregnant women are among the most vulnerable during extreme heat events due to increased body temperature, dehydration risks, and the added physiological demands of pregnancy.
She discussed the common warning signs of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, weakness, nausea, and fainting, while also teaching participants when to seek immediate medical attention. Mothers were reminded to maintain adequate hydration, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight especially during peak afternoon hours, wear light and breathable clothing, and ensure proper ventilation inside their homes.
Midwife Vasquez also highlighted the importance of recognizing climate change not only as an environmental issue but also as a growing public health concern. She encouraged mothers to become advocates of household-level climate resilience by practicing preparedness measures and promoting health-conscious behaviors within their families.
Complementing the session was a lecture from Ms. Linajean G. Precioso, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, who discussed the importance of proper nutrition among pregnant mothers amid rising temperatures. She emphasized balanced meals, adequate fluid intake, and proper maternal nutrition to support both maternal well-being and healthy fetal development, especially during periods of extreme environmental stress.
The activity served as a health education session recognizing the vital role of mothers in safeguarding the health and resilience of their families and communities. Despite the geographical challenges in reaching Barangay Kasapa II, the activity underscored the commitment of the La Paz PCF to ensure that even the most remote communities are included in climate-responsive healthcare initiatives.
The La Paz Primary Care Facility also expressed its sincere gratitude to its valued partners, particularly Americares Philippines, for their continued support in advancing climate resilience and community health preparedness. The Climate Resilience Toolkit and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials developed through this partnership greatly contributed to making the discussions more understandable, practical, and community-centered.
As extreme heat events become more frequent across Mindanao and the rest of the country, initiatives such as these demonstrate the importance of integrating climate action into primary healthcare and community education. By empowering mothers and vulnerable populations with knowledge and preparedness, communities become better equipped to face the growing health impacts of climate change.
