MMDA sets heat stroke break for enforcers

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reimplemented its 30-minute “heat stroke break” for its employees as temperatures in Metro Manila rise.

In a statement yesterday, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said the decision to reinstate the policy is for the protection of on-duty field personnel.

“Our personnel’s safety is our paramount concern. This special heat stroke break is available for traffic enforcers and street sweepers who work under the dry season’s searing heat to protect them from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps,” Abalos said in the statement.

The break would be implemented until the end of May, he added.

Enforcers and street sweepers would go on breaks in shifts to ensure the MMDA’s operations remain unhampered, according to Abalos.

They would be allowed to leave their posts in shifts, and take a 30-minute break to rest.

Should the heat index in Metro Manila reach 40 degrees Celsius and above, MMDA personnel would go on an additional 15-minute break.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Wednesday that the hot weather would continue in the coming days.