The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will resume its 30-minute “heat stroke break” for its field personnel on March 15.

The agency said its anti-heat stroke program is focused on traffic enforcers and street sweepers as they brace the heat from the impact of El Niño, making them susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

“We must understand the plight of these traffic enforcers and street sweepers who work under the scorching heat of the sun every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities,” MMDA chief Romando Artes said on Thursday, March 7.

Artes noted that the break will run through a rotation schedule to ensure ample personnel visibility in field operations.

According to MMDA, the heat stroke break policy ensures that traffic enforcers and street sweepers on duty can leave their posts in shifts to rehydrate, seek shelter from the sun, and take a 30-minute break to avoid heat stroke.

Below is the rotation schedule for traffic enforcers:

• 5 am to 1 pm shift - 10 am to 10:30 am or 10:30 am to 11 am;

• 1 pm to 9 pm shift - 2:30 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 3:30 pm;

• 6 am to 2 pm shift - 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon;

• 2 pm to 10 pm shift - 3 pm to 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm to 4 pm.

Meanwhile, below is the rotation schedule for street sweepers:

• 6 am to 2 pm shift - 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon;

• 7 am to 4 pm shift - 12 noon to 1 pm regular break time;

• 11 am to 7 pm shift - 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

The MMDA said field personnel could extend an additional 15-minute break when the heat index in Metro Manila hit 40 degrees Celsius and above.