MMDA implements anew 'heat stroke break' this summer

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced on Thursday that it is re-implementing its daily "heat stroke break" policy for on-duty traffic officers and street sweepers during this summer.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the heat stroke break is from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., which health agencies and weather experts said are the hottest hours of the day this season.

During these 30-minute breaks, the field personnel are allowed to leave their posts alternately to rest under shade.

"Considering that our traffic constables and street sweepers work continuously under the scorching heat of the sun, we deemed it appropriate to re-implement this Heat Stroke Break Policy,"Tolentino said.

The special break is available for traffic constables and street sweepers who are on duty during daytime. Traffic constables work in shifts- 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Traffic constables with 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift are not entitled to this special break, according to Tolentino.

On the other hand, street sweepers work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
          
Tolentino said that the heat stroke break will be implemented through rotation so a skeletal force of one to two personnel will remain at their posts at any given time.

The MMDA will also be giving out "Heat Stroke" allowances and free bottled water to those working in afternoon shift. The heat stroke break will be in effect everyday from April 8 until May 31, except on days when there are downpours.

"We should try to understand the plight of these traffic constables and street sweepers who brave the heat everyday to fulfill their duties," Tolentino said.

Aside from the 30-minute breaks, traffic constables were also provided with summer uniforms – black short pants and blue polo shirts and their standard head gears.

Tolentino said he is hoping that local government units in Metro Manila will follow suit and give their traffic enforcers such privilege, at least during this summer.

In 2012, an MMDA traffic constable died on duty due to heat stroke.