The government is ready to address the rising heat index, particularly its impact on the country’s economy, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Malacanang Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro said on Monday.

“Siyempre po laging handa ang pamahalaan patungkol dito. Kung ito po ay makakaapekto sa ekonomiya natin, tayo ay laging handa tungkol diyan,” Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said its stations in Quezon City and Clark Airport in Pampanga forecast a high heat index, considered in the “danger” category.

Castro said the Department of Health (DOH) had previously issued a statement reminding the public to take precautions. She added that the government is compiling more action plans to address the situation.

“As of now, iko-collate pa rin namin iyong iba pa po na mga action plans patungkol dito. Pero nauna na ang DOH na magpalabas ng kanilang mensahe patungkol dito,” she said.

On March 3, several local government units (LGUs) and schools suspended face-to-face classes in response to PAGASA’s temperature forecast for various parts of Luzon. | PND