The town of Calasiao and the city of Batangas have put a ‘heat stroke break’ in place to protect traffic enforcers from the scorching heat. 

Traffic enforcers are among those who spend long hours directly under the sun and are at high risk of suffering from the effects of exposure.

In Calasiao in Pangasinan, traffic enforcers are allowed to take shelter from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. although enforcers will also have to consider the traffic situation. 

"Halimbawa, alas dos na ng hapon, syempre, pinapasilong ko sila, basta sisilong sila. Pero kapag traffic o heavy traffic, kailangan nilang lumabas," Junel Diaz, the Chief of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), said.

In Batangas City, a one-hour break is granted to traffic enforcers from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. and their apprehension unit starts patrolling early in the morning, not for work but to bring water to fellow enforcers.

"Sila ay pinapayuhan natin for as long as nasa area sila nakikita nila yung  area, maari silang sumilong sa hindi kainit na lugar sa mga ilalim ng puno, again nga dapat nakikita pa rin nila yung kanilang mga areas," Crismark Banaag, the Supervisor for Operations, Transportation Development Regulatory Office (TDRO), said.

The measures implemented are not only about avoiding heat stroke but also about maintaining overall health and well-being among enforcers working in challenging conditions.

"Malaking tulong po samin to sa kalusugan namin para iwas heat stroke," Joey Panopio, a traffic enforcer, said.

Another enforcer, Ricardo Reianzarez, said he makes sure he seeks shelter when traffic is light. 

"Pagka may kapalitan [rin] sa gitna magpapalit muna, tatabi muna ng konti para hindi tuloy-tuloy yung babad sa init," he said.