No Palaro outdoor games from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines - No outdoor games will be scheduled between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Palarong Pambansa to protect athletes and officials from the summer heat.

Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali said the measure is seen to prevent incidents of heat stroke.

“We have roving medical teams...so we can immediately respond to incidents,” said Umali, secretary general of this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

Prior to the games, he said  athletes, technical officials and coaches were asked to present medical certificates to prove they are physically fit to participate in outdoor and indoor games.

Several delegates fainted during the opening ceremony held at the Biniyaran sports complex in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on Sunday due to extreme heat.

At least one delegate was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, DepEd said it would enforce a  “child protection policy” to prevent bullying during the games.

Edilberto Abalos, DepEd Basketball Referees Association president, noted that some coaches seemed to manhandle their athletes in previous games.