Article by:
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Traffic enforcers and other field personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will once again take heatstroke breaks as part of the agency’s policy for the welfare of their personnel.
In a media interview at the MMDA Timog Base in Quezon City on Monday, MMDA Chair Romando “Don” Artes said the reimplementation of the policy is effective March 16 based on Memorandum Circular No. 03, Series of 2026.
The memorandum allows the reimplementation of a 30-minute break with prescribed schedules to protect field personnel from heat-related illnesses while performing their duties.
“The policy aims to protect frontline personnel who continue to manage traffic and maintain cleanliness along major thoroughfares despite extreme weather conditions,” Artes said.
The MMDA chief also led the distribution of gallons of drinking water and insulated, reusable water bottles to field personnel in partnership with water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc.
In a message to reporters, MMDA press officer Ashley Moreno said there will be regular distribution of drinking water to MMDA field personnel until May 31.
MMDA General Manager, Undersecretary Nicolas Torre III, said all MMDA bases will be provided with drinking water, with an estimated 4,000 traffic enforcers to benefit from the initiative.
“This will help ensure the health and wellness of all our field officers while also making sure that they will still be able to effectively perform their duties on the road,” Torre said.
Under the circular, traffic aides are given one 30-minute break at specific times depending on their shift.
Meanwhile, Metro aides and street sweepers are given either 30-minute or one-hour breaks, depending on their shift.
In case of extreme heat in Metro Manila, such as when the heat index reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, an additional 15-minute break will be implemented.
“The heat stroke break schedule will be implemented alternately among personnel assigned in the same area to maintain visibility and ensure that traffic management and road clearing operations are not hampered,” Torre said.
The policy is regularly adopted by the MMDA during the summer season.
In 2025, the MMDA implemented the break from March 3 to 31. (PNA)
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