Bacolod city: The Department of Education (DepEd) is adopting strict safety precautions in the ongoing Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) as the heat index is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius on Monday. The 2026 NIRAAM, which kicked off at the Panaad Park and Stadium here Sunday night, is participated in by delegations from 12 school divisions, comprising more than 10,000 athletes, coaches, and support staff.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DepEd-NIR emphasized that "athlete safety remains our highest priority," in a health advisory on Monday, noting that "at this level, prolonged exposure and intense physical activity may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke." The advisory directed all athletes, coaches, delegation officials, technical officials, and event organizers to implement strict heat safety precautions.
Athletes were advised on consistent hydration before, during, and after events, to immediately seek shaded or cooling areas after competition, and to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The DepEd-NIR urged coaches and delegation officials to strictly enforce hydration protocols, closely monitor athletes for early signs of heat-related illness, and coordinate immediately with the medical team if symptoms are observed.
Technical officials and event organizers were also instructed to implement scheduled hydration breaks, provide accessible water stations and shaded rest areas, and adjust competition pacing, if necessary, to accommodate heat conditions. Dr. Hobart Bautista, DepEd-NIR medical officer III and a member of the first aid committee, stated in an interview, "We encourage our students to hydrate; that's the most important. In indoor events, we can prevent heat exhaustion. For games where athletes are directly exposed, those playing in the oval, we start early at 6 a.m. and we end by 9 a.m. We don't want to risk them having heat stroke."
In Negros Occidental, Himamaylan City and E.B. Magalona town suspended classes on Monday due to the highest forecasted heat index issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. A heat index between 33 and 41 degrees Celsius is classified under extreme caution, with possible effects such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and continuing activity could lead to heat stroke. Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr. conveyed in a Facebook post, "Suspension of classes is implemented to prioritize the health and safety of our students and school personnel."
