Summer in the Philippines brings sweltering heat. With crowded streets and constant traffic, commuting can be sweaty and uncomfortable, especially during rush hour. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) classifies the heat index as follows:
Under danger levels, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure to heat. If you’re feeling the heat already, here are some ways to keep cool while making use of public transport.
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If you can, consider adjusting your schedule to avoid the peak heat hours on the road. In an infographic on commuter safety, the Department of Transportation advises commuters to avoid traveling between 10am and 2pm to avoid the worst of the heat. Check the weather forecast and plan your commute earlier or later in the day when the heat index is lower. This way, you can minimize sun exposure and have a more comfortable trip.
Stay hydrated, especially during the dry season. The Department of Health recommends drinking at least 2.5 liters or 8-10 glasses of water per day, which is easy to forget when you’re spending hours on the road. To stay cool while commuting, make sure to pack an insulated tumbler to keep water cold, to help reduce heat felt in the body. Refilling the tumbler with ice during breaks can help a lot.
While the handheld pamaypay is always an option, portable electric mini fans have become a staple among commuters for providing a way to cool down during the summer season. These small, battery-operated, rechargeable fans like Jisulife are a godsend for walking around in the heat or when riding public transport like jeeps and tricycles.
Commuting can feel even more. uncomfortable if you’re constantly wearing black cotton shirts and jeans. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes designed with breathable fabrics or dri-fit material. Lighter shades reflect sunlight, while darker colors can absorb heat and will leave you sweating more.
While it seems like common sense, many commuters often forget to bring an umbrella when they head out. Using an umbrella is a simple yet effective way of shielding oneself from the sun. While it may seem like a hassle to bring, a lot of umbrellas are now compact, lightweight, and can easily fit inside most bags. Portable umbrellas are also pretty useful for those unexpected downpours and rain showers.
Forgot your umbrella? At least keep your head shielded from direct sunlight with a hat or cap. This layer of protection can help prevent sunburns and heatstroke, especially when the temperature is at dangerous levels. Choose a hat with a wide brim to shade your eyes and protect your neck and ears. Sunglasses also help cut harsh glare from bright sunlight.
Use navigation apps to minimize long walks between transit hubs. Use Google Maps to study the quickest, most efficient, or shaded paths between point A and B, or include detours to air-conditioned areas like convenience stores in between for breaks. You can also walk more comfortably in between transit points by making use of the new shaded busways instead of sidewalks.
Air-conditioned transit options such as the MRT, LRT, modern P2P (Point-to-Point) buses, and the EDSA Carousel Buses can provide a cooler and more efficient commute compared to some traditional, open-air vehicles. For P2P buses, take note of the schedules and try to ride during non-peak hours to ensure you can sit comfortably and can actually get the benefit of the aircon.
While we wish all of our train stations were fully air-conditioned, right now, the best bet is to wait for your ride in places with cooler temperatures. Hanging out in local malls near train or bus stations and key transport hubs like One Ayala during the hottest times of the day is an option to keep cool in between commutes. Convenience stores and even the entrances near malls where the air conditioning seeps out are also good spots to take a break in between walking.
Certain stations of the LRT-1 line recently installed air-conditioned waiting areas to help commuters stay cool while waiting for the next train. While this space is open to all commuters, Light Rail Manila (LRMC) has ensured that senior citizens, PWDs, and passengers with children will be given priority.
Hopefully, similar efforts will be rolled out in other areas and the MRT and in other major public transport hubs to give commuters and pedestrians the comfort they deserve.
