MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Traffic constables and street sweepers should not worry this summer, their “heat stroke break” is back.
Metro Manila Development Authority implements anew its daily “heat stroke break” police for on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers to “protect their health.”
Starting April 8 until May 31, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said in a statement that their 30-minute time out from work will be from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tolentino said the periods mentioned were considered by health agencies and weather experts as the hottest parts of the day during summer.
For their special break, outdoor MMDA personnel are allowed to leave their posts in shifts to avoid the scorching heat.
“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.
He said the special break is available for traffic constables and street sweepers who 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.
Enforcers on the 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift, however, are not entitled to the heat stroke break.
Except on rainy days, MMDA field personnel will receive “heat stroke allowances” and free bottled waters to those who are working in the afternoon shift.
Meanwhile, traffic constables will also be provided with “summer uniforms” or black short pants, blue polo shirts and their standard head gears.
”We should try to understand the plight of these traffic constables and street sweepers who brave the heat everyday to fulfil their duties,” Tolentino said.
On March 26, the state weather bureau officially declared the start of the summer season.
The Philippine Astronomical Geophysical Services Administration also predicted that temperature in Metro Manila could shoot up until 37 degree celsius this summer.
In 2012, an MMDA traffic constable died on duty due to heat stroke.
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