The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol has recommended employers to adopt alternative working arrangements especially for workers who are exposed to the sun like those in construction. 

DOLE said the employees should agree to the work arrangement, should employers decide to implement it. 

At some construction sites, adjustments are made to ensure the safety of workers.

"More on pag-udto na, gabos na sinda sa laog. Tapos kulang pa man kaya ang work na ginigibo sa luwas, nababanga-banga man ang trabaho kang workers," Ariel Magistrado, a Safety Advisor of Sheirman Construction, said.

Work hours are adjusted an hour earlier from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during hot weather with breaks scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to avoid workers getting exposed to the sun during the hottest part of the day. 

"Kapag amay po kaya kami nakapoon, mas dakol po an nagigibuhan mi ning trabaho kaysa mainit na kami magpoon. Kapag mainit na, kaipuhan mi magpahingalo, dae man pwedeng sagadan," Romel Austria, a safety crew member, said.

"Dae man po kaya na dae magpadikanso dahil mainit," Joseph Ortiz, a ceiling installer, said.

Records from PAGASA indicated that the heat index in Camarines Sur reached 40 degrees Celsius.

Similar heat index forecasts are expected for the province, as well as Catanduanes and Masbate, for the following days.

PAGASA clarified that with such extreme heat, individuals are at risk of experiencing heat cramps, dehydration, and even heat stroke depending on their exposure to the heat.

ALLEGED HEATSTROKE

In Pili, Camarines Sur, a man figured in an accident after he allegedly fainted due to the heat while driving his vehicle at around 10:30 a.m.

He collided with a pedicab. Fortunately, no one was hurt because of the accident.

Authorities and residents in the area were quick to help the man who was reportedly drooling and twitching.

"Nagraralaway na siya tapos nagkikibig-kibig. Pig-alsa mi siya hali sa manibela paduman sa gilid, pigpatukaw, pinahingaloan. Dae na po siya nakakataram ta nabulol na siya. Tigpakalma mi na muna siya. Heat stroke siya ta sobrang init, na-paralyze su bitis niya," August Canon, one of the responders, said.

According to the Pili PNP, the man is also diabetic, which may have contributed to him losing consciousness due to the intense heat.