ILOILO Representative Janette Garin, a former health secretary, has offered advice to women seeking relief from extreme heat this dry season. 

At a news conference on Monday, Garin advised women not to wear underwear at home in order to avoid getting fungal infections. 

“Minsan lalo na nasa tag-init — wala lang malisya, ‘no? — pero kung nasa bahay ka lang naman at matutulog, it’s quite advisable na walang underwear pero naka-pajama ka naman o naka-shorts,” said Garin, who served as health secretary during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. 

“‘Yung ventilation na iyan ay epektibo para mapigilan at hindi na lumala ‘yung fungal infection,” she added.

Incumbent Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Garin’s opinion had a ”basis.”

“Pag mainit, pinagpawisan, may moisture doon sa private areas of women, so it can lead to candidiasis or itchiness doon sa kanilang genitalia, may basis naman po,” Herbosa told senators on Tuesday. 

“Ang usual advice for women suffering candidiasis is really to wear cotton underwear…kung ayaw niyo mag-commando, mag-cotton underwear because it also does not trap moisture,” he added.

Filipinos are reeling from searing temperatures because of the dry season and the effects of El Niño. 

In order to lessen the impact of the intense heat, several areas of the country have been forced to cancel in-person classes. 

The DOH asked the public to regularly monitor reports from PAGASA and take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, including drinking plenty of water; avoiding iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic drinks; limiting time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and using protection against sunburn such as hats, umbrellas, and sunblock; and wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.