PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Maundy Thursday encouraged Filipinos to be compassionate to others as they reflect on the love that Jesus Christ has for people and the sacrifice he made for them.
“As we reflect on the love and selflessness of Jesus Christ, may we also find ways to serve others with the same compassion and grace, spreading love and understanding in our communities,” he said in his message on his official Facebook page on March 28.
“We pray for a safe and meaningful Holy Week for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte earlier said in her video message for Holy Week that she was praying for peace and unity in the country.
“Maging inspirasyon sana natin ang pagkakataong ito upang ipagpatuloy ang ating maka-Diyos at demokratikong mithiin para sa bayan at bumuo ng isang mapayapang bansa,” she said.
Several Filipinos are flocking to churches for Visita Iglesia, one of the well-known Holy Week traditions where Catholics visit at least seven churches to pray at the Stations of the Cross. Others believe that their prayers will be granted once they complete the stations.
Holy Week began on Palm Sunday when Catholics wave palm fronds, locally known as palaspas, to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem before His crucifixion.
Heat index
As the traditional Visita Iglesia is being observed, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Metro Manila and 14 other areas in the country were forecasted to experience a dangerous level of heat index on Thursday.
The heat index in Pasay City was expected to reach 42 degrees Celcius. Here are the forecast heat index in other areas:
- Iba, Zambales – 42°C
- Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
- Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
- Coron, Palawan – 43°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 45°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 45°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
- Pili, Camarines Sur – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42°C
The “danger” level, which ranges from 42°C to 51°C, in its heat index is “likely” to cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to the sun.
PAGASA also laid out several safety tips during hot weather such as drinking plenty of water, limiting time spent outdoors, using umbrellas, and wearing hats and sleeved clothing outdoors.
Last week, the state weather bureau declared the start of the dry season in the Philippines.
