Iloilo implements 'heat stroke break' among traffic enforcers

With the heat of the sun getting more intense, Iloilo City is implementing what it calls a “heat stroke break” among its traffic enforcers.

This is to help traffic enforcers avoid the possibility of a heat stroke from exposure to the sun.

On April 17, 2026 alone, the heat index in Iloilo City reached 41 degrees Celsius, which falls under the category of extreme caution.

Every day, the enforcers are exposed to the heat as they stay on the road to implement traffic rules, manage traffic, or help pedestrians cross.

The new policy would allow them a 30-minute break during shifts during which they can stay in shaded areas.

Jayralph Enojado, an enforcer, said he makes sure to bring water with him at work.

“Mag-inom guid sang tubig sa tig-ilinit. Example kun naga-obra kita sa tunga sang dalan, kinahanglan ta guid magbalon sang tubig. Kag kun matawhay na ang dalanon pwede man kita kapahigad-higad sa mahamdong nga lugar,” he said.

Meanwhile, the threat of a “very strong El Niño” also worries farmers like Rogelio Gallentes.

He said he might just have to look for other sources of income like working in construction if conditions will not allow him to tend to his farm properly.

He said that when temperatures go high, they usually lose their water supply.

“Mangita naman kita sang lain nga obra sini eh, kay waay ka naman kuhaon. Laya na ang imo mga tanom, te maano ka pa? Maobra nalang kita sa construction,” he said.

Ferdinand Rubin, weather specialist at PAGASA Iloilo, said it is possible that the start of El Niño will be in July, August, or September.

“Kita diri sa Western Visayas nagaka-igo guid kita sang El Niño especially ang strong kag very strong El Niño, which could have several impacts especially sa water kag agriculture sector naton,” he said.

“Possible nga mag-start ang El Niño by July, August, or September. Ginlantaw naton nga mas makusog pa guid, possible nga mas makusog pa guid siya sa strong to very strong El Niño October, November, December by 50 percent,” he added. —GMA Regional TV