The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has taken measures to protect its field personnel from heat-related illnesses caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
The agency said Thursday it has installed drinking and health monitoring stations along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and two other main thoroughfares.
The stations are located along EDSA corners of Timog Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Oliveros; and along Commonwealth Avenue and Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road) corner of Ortigas Avenue.
These stations are open not only to MMDA traffic enforcers and street sweepers, but also to motorists and riders who travel in the said areas.
On Wednesday, the MMDA led by General Manager Procopio Lipana received donations from water concessionaires and private companies such as Pocari Sweat Philippines, Maynilad, and Manila Water in support of the heatstroke break policy.
Pocari Sweat representatives also conducted lectures to educate the traffic enforcers, street sweepers, and road emergency responders on how to prevent heat stroke and the importance of regular water intake.
The heatstroke break policy, which will be implemented starting March 15 and will run up to May 31, allows on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers to take a 30-minute break to rehydrate, seek shelter from the sun, and avoid heat stroke.
The MMDA has provided a schedule for the prescribed “heat stroke break” for different shifts. Additionally, field personnel may take an extra 15-minute break if the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius or above.
MMDA signed a memorandum circular to implement the policy, which will be done alternately by those assigned to a particular area to ensure that field operations are not hampered. The heatstroke break will be implemented daily through a rotation schedule.
MMDA chairperson Don Artes emphasized the importance of protecting the welfare of traffic enforcers and street sweepers, who work under the scorching heat of the sun every day to fulfill their duties.
Health experts warn that symptoms of heat stroke or thermal distress include dizziness, uncommon thirst, breathing difficulties, headaches, feverishness, and even hypertension.