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THESIS PAPER TABLAZON - GELITO - Chap 1 2
THESIS PAPER TABLAZON - GELITO - Chap 1 2
THESIS PAPER TABLAZON - GELITO - Chap 1 2
School of Aviation
TITLE:
Developing A Heat Index Advisory System to Enhance Public Awareness and Prevent
Heat-related Illnesses in select cities in Pangasinan
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Heat is essential to our body, especially for metabolism. The normal body
temperature is from 36.1 C to 37.2 C, depending on the activity, time of day and age.
(Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-). It is normal for a person to
feel heat especially when under strenuous activity. Environment also affects the heat
that a body generates. When a body is exposed to extreme cold, it can fall below normal
temperature that can affect a person’s health and the same time, when the body is
exposed to extreme heat, our body’s fluid will evaporate that results in sweating and
can lead to dehydration if there is no intake of fluid.
Heat index is a commonly used measurement of humidity in relation to
temperature. It is widely used in US to provide advisory with risks of affecting the
health of a person (Front. Earth Sci., 07 October 2022). Understanding the heat index is
crucial, especially in developing cities in the Philippines, due to rapid population
growth. People living in extremely hot areas can become accustomed to abnormal
temperatures, impacting performance as working in a hot environment consumes more
energy. Due to climate change, the heat index has risen to such unsafe levels that our
bodies are unable to manage the temperature, and cooling down may not be possible
until it is too late.
Heat stroke is one of the most severe consequences of being exposed to extreme
temperatures, and it can result in lasting impairment, organ damage, or death (National
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Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, May 2022). Prevention of heat-related
diseases and injuries is possible if adequate measures are taken. Weather updates are
routinely provided on the morning news, and radio broadcasts may discuss weather
conditions while driving. Social media also plays a vital role in keeping people
informed about current events and temperature updates. However, there are situations
where information may not reach those outside due to the timing of announcements,
limited access to information, or people's availability to receive updates.
The urbanization process for Metro Dagupan could result in even hotter temperatures,
as observed in a study by Nivagine Nievares, a weather specialist at the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA),
which suggests an increase in felt temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. (Kristine L.
Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 2012).
Through collaboration with the local meteorological agency, the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), this
research seeks to develop a model that accurately displays heat index levels and
translates this information into accessible warnings for the public. Establishing a vital
warning display is crucial, as it is a proactive measure to alert the public about
potentially dangerous heat index levels, enabling them to take necessary precautions.
The proposed warning display will leverage data, including temperature and humidity,
to calculate the heat index, a measure that combines these factors to assess the
perceived temperature.
Furthermore, this study recognizes the importance of community engagement
and education in preventing heat-related illnesses. The warning display will deliver
timely alerts and incorporate an LCD component to disseminate information about heat
stress, dehydration, and other health risks associated with extreme heat. By enhancing
public awareness and promoting preventive measures, this research aspires to contribute
to the overall well-being and resilience of the communities in Dagupan and nearby
cities in the face of escalating climate challenges.
As global temperature rise and extreme heat events become more frequent and
intense, there is an urgent need for an effective Heat Index Advisory System to
safeguard public health and mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat.
2. What is the significance of heat index for the respondents to know in terms of:
2.2 Health
2.3 Safety
2.4 Performance
3. How can the respondents be informed about the temperature in the area?
3.1 Social Media
3.2 Television
3.3 Radio
4. What is the level of satisfaction of the respondents in terms of the current heat index
notification?
5. Is there a significant difference in the occurrence of the update of the alert system in
the community?
Hypothesis
1.) There is no significant difference on the people regarding the update of the alert
system during normal heat index values.
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2.) There is a significant difference on the current advisory of heat index and the
heat index advisory system.
Conceptual Framework
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the vulnerability of the
population of people at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, heat-related injury and
decrease in performance. Figure 1 shows three variables which includes timeliness,
availability and accessibility with assessment coming from current heat index advisory.
Likewise, identification of barrier to heat index advisory system will be included in this
study. The participants will be the citizens on select cities in Pangasinan.
The data gathering involves citizen to accomplish a survey questionnaire made
by the researcher and the details will be reviewed by barangay officials. The needed
data will be used for the evaluation would be generated from the survey.
The gathered data will be analyzed using T-Test statistical method, which will
be used as development of the output of the study, which is the proposed action for the
improvement of Heat Index Advisory System.
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DATA GATHERING
Survey Questionnaire
DATA ANALYSIS
T-Test
PROPOSED ENHANCEMENT
Figure 1 (adapted from Shroeter et al. 2004, and Ebi et at. 2005)
Research Paradigm
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Definition of Terms
The terminologies used in this study are conceptually and operationally defined
for clarity and accuracy
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CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Heat Index
The heat index is the temperature that people "perceive or feel as affecting their
body." For example, on April 9, 2019, the actual air temperature in Dagupan City,
Pangasinan, reached 36.7°C. However, when paired with 62% relative humidity, the
heat index soared to 51.7°C. Dagupan residents "felt like" it was 51.7°C (Arceo, 2023).
Estoque et al. (2020) highlights the need for indicators to map vulnerability to
extreme heat events, with a focus on urban areas. This is particularly relevant in the
Philippines, where cities like Metro Manila are at high risk due to heat hazard and
exposure.
An improved and more robust system for monitoring the heat index should be
developed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) in order to provide early warning to the Filipino people
against high temperatures that could be debilitating or even potentially fatal. This
system should be comparable to the alert system that is utilized during other disasters
(Felipe, 2023).
The heat index is a measurement that determines how the air and humidity make
the human body feel in terms of the degree of actual temperature. The term "apparent
temperature" or "damang init" in Filipino is another term that can be used to refer to the
heat index (Tech, 2023).
PAGASA, which stands for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and
Astronomical Services Administration, has provided a definition of the heat index as
the "measurement of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high
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temperatures in reducing the body's ability to cool itself." It refers to the discomfort that
your body experiences as a result of an increase in the relative humidity in conjunction
with the temperature of the air (Velasco, 2023)
The Heat Index Chart are the following: caution is advised between 27 and 32
degrees Celsius. Fatigue may develop with extended exposure and exertion. Continuing
to engage in physical exercise may result in heat cramps. Heat cramps and heat
exhaustion are both possible when the temperature is between 33 and 41 degrees
Celsius. Extreme caution is advised. Continuing to engage in physical exercise may
result in heat stroke. Additionally, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are prone to occur
when the temperature is between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius. As the exposure to heat
continues, the risk of heat stroke increases. Moreover, at temperatures of 52 degrees
Celsius or higher, there is a high risk of heat stroke (Velasco, 2023).
Zander (2018) provides realistic examples of heat alarm systems and the impact
of heat stress on urban populations. These studies emphasize the significance of
implementing a heat index alert system in the Philippines to increase public awareness
and reduce heat-related illnesses.
Zheng et al (2020) offer potential solutions, with the former developing a real-
time heat illness alert system and the latter proposing a new index for evaluating
physiological safety in high temperatures. These studies collectively underscore the
urgent need for a comprehensive heat index monitoring system in the Philippines to
protect the health, safety, and performance of its residents.
Awareness
According to the study of Howe et al. (2019), states with warm temperatures
have some of the greatest heat-risk perceptions, but states with cooler climates often
confront larger heat-related health hazards. Similarly, areas with elderly populations
who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of heat tend to have lower risk
perceptions, putting them at an even greater danger because lack of awareness is a
barrier to adaptive responses. Poorer neighborhoods and those with a higher minority
population have higher risk perceptions than wealthier neighborhoods with a higher
white population, which is consistent with vulnerability variations between these
populations. Individual perceptions, which motivate behavior, should be considered in
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Health
As a result of the urban heat island (UHI) effect, the rising temperatures have a
disproportionately negative impact on the urban population. Increasing temperatures
can produce heat stress in humans even when they are not directly exposed to heat. This
is because the weather conditions outside can also affect the circumstances inside,
particularly in areas that do not have air conditioning. People's health is negatively
impacted by heat stress, which can also have a negative impact on their well-being and
productivity and may result in significant economic losses. Based on the findings of the
study, it was discovered that the level of heat stress is associated with population
density, and that there are already people who are experiencing heat stress to a
significant degree (Zander et al., 2019).
The high heat index in the Philippines can cause physical discomfort,
dehydration, and fatigue, all of which can affect student’s ability to learn and perform
well academically (Mondejar, 2023).
Heat-related disorders, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, sunburn, rash, and
heatstroke, which can be fatal, are among the problems that might arise from
temperatures that are extremely excessively hot (Baclig, 2023). Additionally, heatstroke
symptoms include a high body temperature and hot or dry red skin, an altered condition
or behavior, seizures, delirium, coma, nausea, and headache. Other significant
symptoms include rapid and shallow breathing, a higher heart rate, muscle cramps, and
extreme thirst (Ng, 2023).
Over half of the world's population lives in cities and is at risk from climate
change and urban heat islands. the study assessed the heat health risk in 139 Philippine
cities, which account for 40% of the country's population, using remotely sensed
surface temperature data and social-ecological indicators, focusing on the hot dry
season, and applying the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change risk framework.
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Metro Manila has considerable heat hazard and exposure, making it at high risk. Most
vulnerable cities are outside the national capital region, where sensitivity is higher and
capacity to manage and adapt is lower. Cities with high heat susceptibility and exposure
must be adapted first (Estoque et al, 2020).
According to Morales and Osea (2019), higher heat index can cause a variety of
health problems, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These
conditions can be especially dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly,
children, and people with chronic illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can lead to
hospitalization or even death, and the risk increases in areas without access to air
conditioning or other cooling measures.
The risk of heat-related health impacts is currently recognized to be one of the
most significant risks in the country. As a result, adapting to the effects of heat on
health is considered to be one of the nation's adaptations priorities (PCCC, 2019). On
the other hand, there is still a dearth of published material about heat-related health
risks and vulnerability assessments in the country. Studies that have been conducted in
the past regarding heat risk in some cities and metropolitan regions of the country have
been conducted by the field of public health (Seposo et al., 2019). Other studies have
concentrated on the perception of heat stress in metropolitan areas of the Philippines, as
well as the ways in which heat stress has influenced people's aspirations to relocate as a
means of adaptation (Zander et al., 2019).
Moreover, according to the study of Lu (2022), the heat index recorded
increased in conjunction with NCD, Malaria, Disaster, and NTD infection mortality.
With data linking rising temperatures and pollution to poor health.
Safety
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The heat index is a tool that is utilized to ascertain the maximum amount of heat
that a person can tolerate before it becomes hazardous. When the heat index reaches
excessive levels, a health alert issued by the Department of Health (DOH) warns that
there is a greater likelihood of getting illnesses such as heat cramps and heat stroke
(Tech, 2023).
A greater heat index can also raise worries about safety, such as an increased
danger of wildfires and power disruptions. Extreme heat can overload electricity grids,
resulting in blackouts or brownouts. This can be hazardous for people who rely on
energy to power medical equipment or air conditioning (Morales & Osea, 2019).
Evidence-based cooling methods during heat extremes and hot weather are
urgently needed to address the health concerns linked with climate change's
unavoidable trajectory. Additionally, heat action plans that are robust, evidence-based,
well communicated, and informed by real-time surveillance provide optimal health
protection (Jay et al., 2021).
In terms of safety, a new index, the comprehensive physiological index (CPI),
has been developed to evaluate the physiological safety of workers in high-temperature
weather, such as sanitation workers (Zheng et al., 2020).
Performance
As cited by Caparas (2023), during extremely hot weather in the Philippines, the
necessity for warnings and information distribution is critical for public safety.
Providing timely and adequate information to our fellow citizens via various channels,
such as text messaging and other technology, has the ability to save lives and assist
avert heat-related tragedies. Similar to how we have typhoon alerts, we should have
analogous mechanisms in place for extreme heat situations. The word "heat index" is
used in the context of excessive heat to express how hot it feels when relative humidity
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is added to the actual air temperature. In English, this would be "heat index warnings"
or "alerts for high heat conditions." People will be notified in this manner to take the
required precautions and measures to keep safe during periods of excessive heat.
Additionally, Ramos-Araneta (2023) state that analyzing the country's existing
state of heat index monitoring and warning systems, identifying the possible
implications of high heat on public health and the economy, and determining best
practices and technology for heat index monitoring and alert systems in other nations. It
can save lives and prevent additional heat-related catastrophes by giving our citizens
with timely and accurate information via text messaging and other technology.
It is anticipated that the health of the general population will be better preserved
if a system that is both more comprehensive and efficient regarding the monitoring and
provision of information on the degree of heat in the Philippines is put into place.
Furthermore, it is able to avoid the potentially detrimental effects that it could have on
the economy and the social welfare of the nation (Felipe, 2023).
The performance of the heat index advisory system in the Philippines is
influenced by various factors. Bilang et al. (2022), found that the Weather Research and
Forecasting (WRF) Model, when coupled with urban canopy models, can accurately
simulate air temperature in Metro Manila, but struggles with relative humidity. Estoque
et al (2020) identified high heat health risk in Metro Manila due to heat hazard and
exposure. Purio et al. (2022), used remote sensing to assess intra-urban heat islands in
Manila City, recommending interventions to mitigate their effects. All of these studies
highlight how important it is for the Philippines to have a thorough and precise heat
index advisory system, especially for urban areas, in order to lessen the effects of
extreme heat events.
Social Media
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In the Philippines, where there are 111 million people with an internet
penetration rate of 82 percent, the Digital News Report issued in 2021 found that 72
percent of Filipinos considered social media to be the primary source of news. This was
higher than television, which was considered by 61 percent of Filipinos, and print,
which was utilized by 16 percent of Filipinos. Therefore, this social media can propel
decisive climate action (Federigan, 2022).
The heat index of the country was described by a few users by referring to "Fire
Nation," which is a locale in a well-known animation collection. On May 11 of this
year, with the state weather bureau recording yet another maximum heat index of 51
degrees Celsius in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, a screenshot of a forecast for May 2020
was revived on Reddit and Twitter. Due to this, people of social media were posting the
previous forecast for the heat index, and this time they compared the Philippines to the
nation of fire (Madarang, 2021).
Television
Radio
Radio broadcasts should provide information on the temporal variations of air
temperature, outdoor thermal comfort, and the spatial and temporal analysis of land
surface temperature in order to effectively inform the public (Purio, 2022).
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