MMDA field personnel to get ‘heat stroke breaks’

MANILA, Philippines — Field personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will be allowed to go on “heat stroke breaks” from March 15 to May 31, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said yesterday.

During these breaks, field personnel such as traffic enforcers and street sweepers would be allowed to leave their posts to take shelter and drink water to prevent heat stroke, according to the MMDA.

They could avail themselves of an additional 15-minute break when the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above, it added.

The heat stroke breaks would be enforced between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., depending on the work schedules of traffic enforcers and street sweepers. The two groups have personnel on three shifts.

Artes pointed out that the MMDA “must understand the plight of these traffic enforcers and street sweepers who work under the scorching heat of the sun every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.”