The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reimposed the 30-minute “heat stroke break” policy for its field personnel, particularly traffic enforcers and street sweepers, due to the intense heat in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
The “heat stroke break” policy was implemented daily through a rotation schedule, allowing on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers to leave their posts in shifts to rehydrate and seek shelter from the sun. It will remain in effect until May 31.
Photo: MMDA
“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,” MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said.
He reiterated that breaks must be taken alternately by those assigned to a particular area to maintain the visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers and ensure that field operations remain uninterrupted.
The following are the prescribed 30-minute “heat stroke breaks” for traffic enforcers:
- 5 am to 1 pm shift: 10 am to 10:30 am or 10:30 am to 11 am
- 1 pm to 9 pm shift: 2:30 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 3:30 pm
- 6 am to 2 pm shift: 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon
- 2 pm to 10 pm shift: 3 pm to 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm to 4 pm
Meanwhile, the break schedules for street sweepers are as follows:
- 6 am to 2 pm shift: 1 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon
- 7 am to 4 pm shift: 12 noon to 1 pm (regular break time)
- 11 am to 7 pm shift: 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
The MMDA added that field personnel may take an additional 15-minute break if the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40°C or higher to prevent heat-related illnesses.
On March 3 and 4, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a two-day forecast predicting a heat index of up to 46°C, leading to the suspension of face-to-face classes in several areas.
According to the agency, a heat index between 42°C and 51°C falls under the “danger” category.
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