ILOILO CITY, Philippines — In a proactive response to the intensifying summer heat, the Iloilo City government officially opened its first set of “Cooling Hubs” on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. These temporary shelters provide commuters, pedestrians, and vulnerable residents a safe space to rest and rehydrate during the peak hours of the day.
The initiative comes as heat indices in the region consistently reach the “Danger” category, peaking between 43°C and 47°C in early May.
The city has strategically placed these units in high-traffic areas to maximize their reach.
- Active Locations:
- Diversion Road, Mandurriao District.
- Jalandoni Bridge (General Luna Street), City Proper.
- Coming Soon: A third hub is currently being installed at Plazoleta Gay in the downtown area.
- Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, when the sun’s intensity is at its highest.
- Capacity: Each hub can accommodate up to 20 people at a time for approximately 30 to 60 minutes to allow for fair rotation.
Billed as a first for the country, these hubs are built using circular economy principles, focusing on sustainability and recycled materials.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: The structures are built from refurbished office materials and eco-boards made from recycled plastic waste.
- Solar-Powered: Each hub is equipped with solar panels that generate approximately one kilowatt of power to run the air conditioning units and water dispensers.
- Future Re-purposing: Mayor Raisa Treñas noted that once the dry season ends, the hubs will be repurposed into rain shelters and rainwater harvesting stations.
To ensure the safety of visitors, the hubs are more than just resting areas—they serve as mini-medical stations.
- Medical Staff: Personnel from the Iloilo City Health Office, including nurses, midwives, and barangay health workers, are stationed at each site.
- Check-ups: Visitors can receive blood pressure monitoring and medical assessments if they feel unwell.
- Hydration: Free water refilling stations are available; the public is encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles. Oral rehydration solutions are also on standby for those showing signs of heat exhaustion.
“This is a small and simple initiative, our purpose in caring, complete and honest for the Ilonggo people.” — Mayor Raisa Treñas
The city government is currently in talks with private establishments interested in setting up their own cooling hubs. The local government has offered to assist these businesses with the design and technical specifications to ensure the stations are effective and sustainable.