The reported 300 patient admissions at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) in Mati City are “not directly related to the heat-related illnesses” of El Niño, provincial officials said, MindaNews reported on Tuesday, October 13.
Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang and hospital chief Dr. Reden Bersaldo made the clarification in a joint Facebook statement. They said the “200 to 300 patient admissions per day” are a regular measure of hospital use.
“These figures reflect the existing demand for health services and should not be attributed to El Niño-related illnesses,” the statement said.
Where the Claim Came From
The clarification followed a GMA Super Radyo Davao Facebook post saying the province recorded “300 residents who were rushed to the hospital after respiratory problems due to the hot weather.” The report cited “Task Force El Niño” as its source.
The governor said the province is still strengthening preparedness and promoting preventive health practices to protect residents.
What PAGASA Says
On October 7, the state weather bureau PAGASA announced that “a strong to very strong El Niño is present in the Tropical Pacific.” It said El Niño could last until the first half of 2027 and may peak before the end of 2026.
For October, PAGASA’s El Niño Advisory No. 5 expects:
- Most of Mindanao: “near normal” rainfall (within 20% of normal).
- Caraga Region: “below normal” rainfall (20% to 60% less than normal).
From May to September, much of Mindanao had below-normal rainfall. Misamis Oriental was under a “dry spell,” while parts of northern Caraga and the rest of Western and Southern Mindanao were in “dry condition.”
Why It Matters
El Niño is a real threat, but mixing up regular hospital numbers with heat illness can cause needless alarm. Checking official sources before sharing is one way to help.
