Jamaine Punzalan

Children cool off in an inflatable pool, April 1, 2025.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

20250401-beat the heat-marikina

Bea Cuadra

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177569550445720250401-pool-marikina-heat-MT-3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Children cool off in an inflatable pool, April 1, 2025.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — As temperatures continue to soar, residents of Barangay Paligsahan in Quezon City are finding creative—and sometimes controversial—ways to beat the heat.</p><p>From makeshift sidewalk pools to staying strictly indoors, residents are divided on how to balance the threat of rising temperatures against local ordinances and high fuel costs.</p><p>For many, the heat has become unbearable enough to warrant setting up inflatable pools on the sidewalk. </p><p>&quot;Swimming lang naman siya talaga kasi sobrang init, kaya kailangan talaga nila ng kaunting enjoyment… Kasi mahal ang gasolina ngayon, &#x27;di ba? Kaya diyan na lang sa tabi-tabi nagsu-swimming,&quot; said Diyosa Montero, a local resident. </p><p>Despite the convenience, the barangay has strictly prohibited the placement of swimming pools on public roads to maintain right-of-way and safety. </p><p>When asked about the violation, Montero admitted they were unaware of the specific restrictions but emphasized the desperation caused by the weather.</p><p>“Hindi kami aware sa ganoon. Hindi namin mapigilan ‘yung init, eh, kaya nagpo-provide na lang kami ng improvised na mga swimming pool,&quot; she added. &quot;Pag sinabihan naman kami, pwede naman naming tanggalin.&quot;</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/4/9/more-areas-to-expect-higher-heat-index-as-ph-enters-peak-of-warm-and-dry-season-0016">More areas to expect higher heat index as PH enters peak of warm and dry season </a></div><p>However, not everyone agrees with the makeshift outdoor setups. Zeny Atienza, another resident, prefers a more traditional—and legal—approach to the heatwave.</p><p>&quot;Nasa bahay lang para mapresko. Mag-electric fan ka lang, okay na ‘yun… Nakahiga lang, naka-electric fan lang,&quot; Atienza said.</p><p>While Atienza suggests frequent bathing as a way to stay cool, she remains firm that public roads should remain clear. She expressed frustration with neighbors who continue to ignore the rules.</p><p>&quot;Maligo [sila]. Pero huwag naman diyan sa labas kasi bawal diyan. Ewan ko sa kanila, matitigas ang mga ulo. Pinagsabihan na sila, ayaw nila maniwala, eh,&quot; Atienza added.</p><p>Aside from swimming, Montero suggested that residents could cope with the heat by finding small business opportunities: “Mga gimik na pwedeng gawin is magtinda ng palamig kasi mainit talaga.”</p><p>Local officials have been forced to intervene. Barangay Kagawad Juday Pamplina confirmed that the barangay has already begun issuing warnings to households blocking the streets.</p><p>&quot;Nasita na po sila ng barangay at napagsabihan na po na hindi sila pwede sa labas,&quot; Pamplina said. &quot;Huwag sa kalsada, bawal po ‘yun. Lalo na at mainit ang panahon, dito na lang sila sa loob [ng bakuran].&quot;</p><p>The kagawad clarified that the barangay understands the need for relief but insisted it should be done in appropriate spaces. She suggested that residents move their pools to private driveways or utilize designated areas.</p><p>&quot;Kung mayroon pa pong space malapit sa kanilang bahay, doon na lang po. O kaya mayroon po kaming open court, pwede naman po doon,&quot; Pamplina said. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/4/8/lpa-far-east-of-mindanao-to-enter-philippine-area-next-week-pagasa-1046">Brewing storm to enter Philippine area next week - PAGASA </a></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K17MX_JpiEM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iSoakFl7zEA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>As temperatures continue to soar, residents of Barangay Paligsahan in Quezon City are finding creative—and sometimes controversial—ways to beat the heat.</p>

As temperatures continue to soar, residents of Barangay Paligsahan in Quezon City are finding creative—and sometimes controversial—ways to beat the heat.

Quezon City barangay bans sidewalk pools as residents seek relief from soaring heat

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Quezon City barangay bans sidewalk pools as residents seek relief from soaring heat

Bea Cuadra

Published April 09, 2026 08:48 AM PHT

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