MMDA prescribes 30-minute break for personnel amid high heat index
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers man a traffic along Edsa in Quezon City in this photo taken on March 30, 2023. —File photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta | Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday prescribed 30-minute breaks for its field personnel, particularly traffic enforcers and street sweepers, amid soaring heat index in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
For traffic enforcers, the MMDA offered the following schedules:
- 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift – 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; or 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift – 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon
- 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. shift – 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift – 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; or 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, street sweepers were offered the following break schedules:
- 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift – 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon
- 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift – 12 noon to 1 p.m. (regular break time)
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift – 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In a statement, the MMDA said the policy was already in effect since Monday, March 3 and will remain effective until May 31.
“Under the heat stroke break policy, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are allowed to leave their posts in shifts to rehydrate, seek shelter from the sun, and take a 30-minute break to avoid heat stroke,” the authority said in its statement.
Article continues after this advertisement“In order to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and/or heat cramps, field personnel could also take an additional 15-minute break time in case the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above,” it added.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) monitoring station in Science Garden, Quezon City, showed the heat index at 46°C on Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, four areas in the country were listed by the Pagasa to be under the “danger” category or a heat index between 42°C and 51°C.
Fifty-six other areas were placed under the “extreme caution” category or 33°C to 41°C, also on Wednesday.
