MMDA reimplements heat stroke breaks for field personnel

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reimplemented its heat stroke break policy for traffic enforcers and street sweepers starting Monday to protect field personnel during the hot season.

In a statement, the MMDA said that under Memorandum Circular No. 04 Series of 2026, field personnel are entitled to a 30-minute break every shift.

Traffic aides

• For the 5 AM-1 PM shift, break is scheduled either 10:00 AM-10:30 AM or 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
• For the 1 PM-9 PM shift, break is either 2:30 PM-3:00 PM or 3:00 PM-3:30 PM
• For the 6 AM-2 PM shift, break is either 11:00 AM-11:30 AM or 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
• For the 2 PM-10 PM Shift, break is either 3:00 PM-3:30 PM or 3:30 PM-4:00 PM

Metro aides/street sweepers

• For the 6 AM-2 PM shift, break is either 11:00 AM-11:30 AM or 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
• For the 11 AM-7 PM shift, break is either 2:30 PM-3:00 PM or 3:00 PM-3:30 PM
• For the 7 AM-4 PM shift, the regular break time from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM

If the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, an additional 15-minute break will be granted to help prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps.

The agency said the breaks will be implemented alternately among personnel assigned in the same area to ensure that traffic management and road clearing operations continue uninterrupted.

According to the MMDA, the heat stroke break policy will remain in effect until May 31.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes led the distribution of gallons of drinking water as well as insulated and reusable water bottles to personnel at the MMDA Timog Base in Quezon City on Monday.

The initiative was supported by water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc.

MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III said all MMDA satellite offices will also be supplied with drinking water to ensure personnel remain hydrated while performing their duties.

“All MMDA satellite offices will be provided with water for our field personnel. It is estimated that around 4,000 traffic enforcers will benefit from this initiative,” Torre said.

“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,” he added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News