(Eagle News) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced it would give its field personnel a 30-minute “heat stroke break” to cope with the summer heat.
The policy will be in effect starting April 1 to May 31.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes signed the memorandum circular re-implementing the policy to “protect field personnel from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps due to severe heat waves,” the MMDA said.
Under the policy, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are allowed to leave their posts in shifts to seek shelter from the sun.
The MMDA said field personnel can also take an additional 15-minute break time “in case the heat index or the ‘human discomfort index’ in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.
“This move is part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illness among our outdoor workers who brave the searing heat every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Their safety is of paramount importance,” Artes said.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration recently declared the start of the warm and dry season.
It is expected to last until May.