Philippines issues guidelines for heat-related illness compensation

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued Labor Advisory No. 19, Series of 2026, establishing protocols for preventing, documenting, and reporting occupational heat-related illnesses. Signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, the advisory provides guidance on how compensation claims should be filed and evaluated under the existing Employees’ Compensation Program.

The guidelines apply to workers insured through the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), covering both indoor and outdoor employees exposed to excessive heat. While heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are already compensable, five additional conditions—including heat syncope (fainting/dizziness), heat rash, rhabdomyolysis, severe dehydration leading to kidney injury, and certain neurological disorders—have been sent to a review panel for potential inclusion.

This regulatory move comes as the country faces a severe dry season and significant agricultural damage attributed to El Niño.