SENATE President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda will file additional measures to make campuses of primary and secondary levels greener with native trees as these regulate temperatures better and make the campuses more conducive to learning.

“As we face increasing temperatures globally, we can reduce immediate risks by regulating microclimates in outdoor spaces we live and work in. Small trees like kamuning and banaba are fragrant and fast growing and can also improve air quality, reduce energy use, enhance drainage and quality of life,” Legarda said.

“A changing climate is a reality, and the small and big steps we need to address it must be accepted, normalized, and widely practiced,” she added.

At the same time, Legarda warned the public of heat stroke as the temperature is expected to rise in the coming months. The senator also expressed serious concern over incidents linked to the rising heat index.

Last March 24, a report said that up to 120 students were taken to hospitals in Laguna after they fainted and showed symptoms of heat exhaustion during a fire drill conducted at a school in Cabuyao City.

On March 26, a school in Makati confirmed that a student-athlete died after collapsing during a football varsity game.

While the cause of death was not determined with finality, it was also on the same day that the city issued a heat warning.

“As the average temperature rises, more lives will be at risk. We need immediate measures to address such risks, including wide dissemination of heat stroke first aid measures, heat warnings by local governments and through text messages, and siren warnings when the thermometer has risen to dangerous levels,” Legarda said.