THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reinstated its 30-minute “heat stroke break” policy for field personnel, including traffic enforcers and street sweepers, as Metro Manila braces for dangerously high temperatures.
In a statement on Wednesday, MMDA said Chairman Romando S. Artes issued a memorandum mandating the staggered implementation of the policy to ensure continuous field operations while mitigating heat-related risks for workers.
The directive, effective from March 3 to May 31, comes in response to rising heat index forecasts for the capital region.
“We acknowledge the challenges being faced by our traffic enforcers and street sweepers who diligently work in the heat to fulfill their duties and responsibilities; their well-being is crucial, and this initiative seeks to mitigate health-related illnesses among them, especially with the sudden rise in the heat index in Metro Manila,” said Mr. Artes.
In cases where the heat index in Metro Manila surpasses 40°C, an additional 15-minute break will be permitted to help personnel avoid heat exhaustion, cramps, and stroke.
The policy grants on-duty personnel scheduled 30-minute breaks to rehydrate and seek shelter from the sun. Traffic enforcers working various shifts will take breaks at designated times. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
