Heart Doctors Warns of Health Risks From El Nino, Urges Boracay Beach Goers To Take Precautions

1BORACAY ISLAND, MALAY, AKLAN — The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is warning of possible increases in heart-related incidents and skin cancer risks as the country prepares for the effects of the El Niño phenomenon forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Dr. Eric Sison, PHA director and advocacy chair, told the Boracay Island News Network especially to beachgoers and tourists visiting Boracay, where visitors are often exposed to prolonged heat and direct sunlight during outdoor activities.
Sison said beachgoers should take extra precautions during periods of extreme heat, particularly those with existing health risks, as excessive heat and dehydration may place additional stress on the cardiovascular system.
He also stressed the importance of protecting the skin from prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, which may increase the risk of skin damage and, over time, skin cancer.
The warning came as the PHA launched its nationwide “CPR-Ready Barangay” campaign in Boracay on Saturday, October 3, at CityMall Boracay.
Dubbed “Ligtas Boracay: CPR-Ready Barangay — Isang Barangay Patungo sa CPR-ReadyPH,” the initiative held a free mass Hands-Only CPR training targeting 1,500 participants.
The training brought together policemen, teachers, barangay health workers, barangay tanods, firefighters, hotel and restaurant personnel, travel and tour operators and workers, as well as household members.
According to the PHA, around 80 percent of sudden cardiac arrest cases occur outside hospitals, making immediate community response critical.
A cardiac arrest victim needs immediate resuscitation, ideally within approximately four to six minutes. Prompt Hands-Only CPR and proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator or AED can significantly improve the chances of survival.
For Boracay visitors, organizers stressed the importance of being aware of heat-related health risks while enjoying the island’s beaches and outdoor attractions.
Beachgoers are encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours, seek shade or cooler areas when necessary, and use appropriate sun protection.
“CPR saves lives. You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse to save a life,” organizers emphasized.
The campaign seeks to bring CPR training to every barangay and Filipino household, with a national target of having 50 percent of households trained.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the PHA Council on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, PHA Capiz-Aklan Chapter, and the Municipality of Malay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
In Barangay Yapak, organizers are targeting to train 50 percent of residents in Hands-Only CPR and AED use, while establishing six groups that can serve as trained first responders within the community.
The campaign also supports the 911 Philippines 24/7 national emergency network being implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism’s First-Aid Booth initiative, with Boracay identified as one of the priority destinations.
The program is also a spin-off of the PHA’s CPR on Wheels and Wings program, which held Boracay Station 2 as its maiden destination in October 2016.
Sison said the strong multi-sectoral support for the initiative reflects the bayanihan spirit in protecting lives and making Boracay a safer destination for residents, workers and tourists.
The Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) was among the partners recognized for its support.
The collaboration highlights the important role of Boracay’s tourism and business sector in promoting not only hospitality but also public safety, emergency preparedness and health awareness.
Through the CPR-Ready Barangay campaign, the PHA hopes to equip ordinary citizens with the knowledge and confidence to perform Hands-Only CPR and properly use an AED while waiting for professional emergency responders.
As more tourists are expected to visit Boracay, organizers reminded beachgoers that enjoying the island also means taking precautions against extreme heat and prolonged sun exposure.
From Boracay to communities nationwide, the campaign carries a simple message: saving a life can begin with two hands, a trained heart, and the courage to act.
separate health warnings from CPR coverage
tighten repeated heat precautions
make the headline more concise