When Whitney Houston sang “I wanna feel the heat with somebody”, we’re pretty sure she didn’t mean the summer heat. The MMDA – Whitney fans or not – recognizes that the job of their enforcers on the ground is far from easy, and so they have imposed a 30-minute heat stroke break for their field personnel. Until May 31, don’t be surprised if you see these ladies and gentlemen of the law looking for a respite from the heat.
MMDA heat stroke break for field personnel to help them cope with PH summer heat
Photo: MMDA
As we’ve said time and again, it’s not an easy job what the ladies and gentlemen of the MMDA on the ground do. Seeing that it’s already summer season in the country, heat indices rise to sweltering levels and heat stroke is a very real threat to everyone. A Memorandum Circular was recently signed by agency Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes implemented the “heat stroke break” policy to protect field personnel from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps due to severe heat waves.
“This move is part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illness among our outdoor workers who brave the searing heat every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Their safety is of paramount importance,” Artes explained.
The policy will allow on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers to leave their posts in shifts to seek shelter from the sun and take a 30-minute break to allow their bodies to cool down.
Photo: Edison “Bong” Nebrija
Aside from enforcers and other government personnel on the field, we should recognize the fact that no one is immune from getting heat stroke. In the post of MMDA TFSO Head Col. Edison “Bong” Nebrija, a bicyclist collapsed and unfortunately passed away. Nebrija’s post came with the call to, in no exact words, know your capabilities and be properly healthy and prepared before setting out. This goes out not just to bikers, but to everyone who expects to walk under the sun in this season.
We send our sincerest condolences to the family of the bereaved family as well.
Photo: MMDA
The MMDA has been kind enough to even post infographics on how to identify an impending heat stroke, one of which is what you see in the image above. If at anytime indoors or outdoors, you feel or experience any of the symptoms above, be in the know and make sure you follow the next steps to avoid things turning for the worse.
On behalf of all the field personnel, we thank you, MMDA. This goes beyond simply being humanitarian; it’s simply the right thing to do for human beings to be able to take care of themselves. Kudos to you! And to everyone else, be safe out there. The threat is real, so make sure to avoid things that can lead to a heat stroke as much as you can, yes? Yes.
