30/06/2026
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) reminds the public to take extra precautions amid the extreme heat conditions being experienced across the country. While the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the onset of the rainy season on 4 June 2026, high temperatures and elevated heat indices continue to be recorded in several areas.
PAGASA has reported heat index levels ranging from:
Caution category: (27ยฐCโ32ยฐC)
Danger: (42ยฐCโ51ยฐC)
Extreme danger: (52ยฐC and above).
As the country experiences increasingly high temperatures, extreme heat has profound effects on nutrition. Rising temperatures can reduce appetite, increase the body's need for water, and affect food production and availability. Heat stress may compromise the nutritional status of vulnerable populations, while climate-related events such as droughts and extreme weather can threaten food security and access to nutritious foods.
Extreme heat conditions also pose serious health risks. Beyond causing discomfort, prolonged heat stress can lead to heat strain causing dehydration, heat exhaustion, cardiovascular strain, heat stroke, and other health concerns, particularly among children, older persons, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Recognizing the close connection between nutrition and the environment, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) highlights the importance of adopting healthy and sustainable practices in line with the 2026 Nutrition Month theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan." The theme underscores the shared responsibility to protect both human health and the environment to ensure a nourished and resilient future for every Filipinos.
To lessen the impact of extreme heat on nutrition and health, the public is encouraged to:
1. Stay adequately hydrated. Drink safe water regularly throughout the day. Donโt wait until you feel thirsty to take a sip.
2. Eat water-rich foods. Incorporate fruits and vegetables to help maintain proper hydration;
3. Follow the Pinggang Pinoy guide. Eat a balanced diet to support the body's ability to cope with heat and other environmental stressors; and
4. Choose fresh, locally available, and seasonal foods which not only promote better nutrition but also support environmentally sustainable food systems.
Protecting ourselves from extreme heat also means protecting the environment. Simple actions such as conserving water, reducing food waste, supporting local agriculture, and participating in climate-resilient community initiatives contribute to a healthier planet and a more secure food future.
As Nutrition Month reminds us, nutrition and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. By making informed food choices, staying hydrated, and caring for our natural resources, every Filipino can help build healthier communities that are better prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.
REFERENCES
Ebi, K. L., Capon, A., Berry, P., Broderick, C., de Dear, R., Havenith, G., Honda, Y., Kovats, R. S., Ma, W., Malik, A., Morris, N. B., Nybo, L., Seneviratne, S. I., Vanos, J., & Jay, O. (2021). Hot weather and heat extremes: health risks. The Lancet, 398(10301), 698โ708. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)01208-3
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research, & Marriott, B. M. (2018). Effects of Heat on Appetite. Nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236229/
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PAGASA. (2024). PAGASA. https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/weather/heat-index
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United Nations Childrenโs Fund (UNICEF). Child Nutrition and the Climate Crisis. UNICEF framework for action. UNICEF, New York, March 2025
