By Liza Agoot/Philippine News Agency
BAGUIO CITY — Parents and guardians are reminded to keep school children dry by bringing rain gear amid heavy downpour in the afternoon as classes for school year 2019-2020 begin on Monday here.
“We advise parents to always have umbrella or raincoat for their children. As much as possible they have their own so that they will not get wet when they go home from school,” said Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, assistant chief of the city health office, on Monday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is yet to declare the start of the rainy season but the city has been experiencing cold weather and continuous downpour in the afternoon.
She said keeping the children warm and dry would prevent them from acquiring rain-related illnesses.
Brillantes also said children should also bring jackets to keep them warm in case it rains and the temperature drops.
“Iniisip din natin ang flu, common colds, which if pinabayaan natin it can advance to pneumonia and others (we are also looking at flu, common colds, which if left unattended, can advance to pneumonia and others),” she said.
Boosting the immune system of the children would also help protect them from illnesses.
“They have to make sure that their children are not wet when they come home and also proper nutrition, proper diet, enough sleep and proper exercise kung kailangan ng bata (if the child needs it). We need to support our children para (so that) they will not have these illnesses during the rainy season,” she said.
Parents are also urged to prepare packed lunch, snacks, and drinks for the children. This ensures the food’s cleanliness and nutritional value. If parents could not prepare packed lunches, parents could also check the food being prepared in school canteens, Brillantes said.
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