By CESAR JOLITO III
The Department of Education in the Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) has rolled out strict heat-safety protocols for student-athletes after heat index levels in parts of the region surged to as high as 40 degrees Celsius yesterday, prompting concerns over athlete welfare during the ongoing Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM).
DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caezar Dequiña said tournament organizers have been directed to prioritize health and safety by modifying competition schedules and, when necessary, suspending games.
Organizers were authorized to hold matches early in the morning and conclude by 10:00 a.m., with possible resumptions only after 2:00 p.m., subject to clearance from on-site medical teams.
Events may also be postponed entirely if extreme heat persists beyond mid-afternoon.
Officials and referees were likewise instructed to immediately stop games once conditions pose a clear risk to participants.
Water stations were installed across all venues to prevent dehydration, while medical personnel were placed on standby to respond to heat-related emergencies.
Dequiña confirmed that several athletes experienced discomfort during the opening ceremony at the Panad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City on Sunday, March 1, reporting symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and general weakness.
He said four medical stations and a central infirmary were operational at the venue, allowing immediate treatment of affected students.
None of the cases were classified as severe.
While the final tally of athletes who required medical attention is still being validated, Dequiña said coordination is ongoing with the regional medical officer to consolidate the data.
He added that DepEd-NIR is working closely with local government units to ensure safeguards remain in place as competitions continue.
Aside from the reported heat-related incidents, DepEd-NIR said no other major health concerns have been recorded so far, with minor issues addressed directly by schools and their respective delegations./CJ, WDJ