MMDA, Manila implement heat breaks for enforcers

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reimplemented a yearly policy allowing traffic enforcers and street sweepers a 30-minute 'heat stroke break' due to increased heat index, effective from March 3 until May 31.

On Thursday, the City of Manila also ordered its traffic enforcers, village tanods, and police personnel to take safety breaks to prevent heat stroke, with field personnel taking at least 10 to 15 minutes to hydrate and rest.

Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) chief Narciso Diokno III stated that these breaks must be taken in shade areas while remaining in deployment zones.

City mayor Honey Lacuna extended the safety break directive to all barangay tanods citywide, emphasizing hydration during breaks.

Pagasa recorded a heat index of up to 46°C in Metro Manila on Monday and Tuesday, with four areas listed under the 'danger' category on Wednesday, prompting these precautionary measures.