Just as I arrived from a five-day humanitarian mission cum vacation in Basilan and Zamboanga, I decided to travel straight to Marikina to spend the remaining days of the Holy Week with family and relatives. The sudden shift in climate hit me hard—quite literally.

I didn’t anticipate how intense the heat would be. The sun felt merciless, scorching my face within just one minute of standing in my sister’s ante-room/garage. The temperature read 36 degrees Celsius, but the “feels like” index seemed to 46. Summer had made its early entrance, even before the month of May—the hottest in the Philippines—had officially arrived.

It was then that I began to appreciate the cooler climate of Basilan and other parts of Mindanao. Surrounded by nature, shaded by trees, and acradled by breezes from the mountains and seas, Basilan’s natural environment offers more than just beauty—it offers relief. I saw the wonder and contentment in the eyes of our visiting companions as they took in the sight of deep green foliage and long stretches of coconut and rubber trees lining the roads. It reminded me how valuable our ecosystems are, not just for biodiversity and agriculture, but also for our physical well-being, especially in a time of intensifying heat.

SOAR (Special Operations Assistance and Rescue (SOAR PH) had issued reminders to beat the heat. Their tips include wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; staying indoors during peak hours; learning how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat-related illnesses; and never leaving infants, pets, or children inside parked cars.

They also stress the importance of hydration—drink water frequently but avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Stay in air-conditioned areas if possible. When heading outdoors, apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Eat light, cool meals and take cool showers or baths to help lower your body temperature.

SOAR PH, a non-stock non-profit volunteer organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, trains, develops, equips, and deploys professional Search and Rescue volunteers during calamities, natural and/or man-made disasters, assists during civil unrests, performs Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, and saves lives. I was introduced to the group by my warrior diplomat classmate Maximo ‘Jhun’ Del Ponso, who is president and managing director of SOAR Ambulance Rescue Services, Chief of Staff of the Medical Special Support Squadron Disaster ang Humanitarian Relief of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a human resource practitioner.  

The heat is on, and so must be our vigilance. This season reminds us not just to take care of ourselves, but to advocate for greener, more livable communities.