MMDA traffic enforcers don summer attire

MANILA, Philippines – Traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are swapping their long pants for a cooler summer attire.

Starting Monday, March 16, around 800 traffic constables will wear blue polo shirts and short pants to beat the heat as they perform their duties along EDSA, the metro’s major and busiest thoroughfare. 

The enforcers will don their summer attire until May 31 as part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illness among their personnel.

The MMDA also started the implementation of the “heat stroke break” for traffic enforcers and street sweepers exposed to the heat of the sun.

MMDA traffic discipline office head Crisanto Saruca said the “heat stroke break” will be implemented daily from 1 pm to 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm to 3 pm.

Under the policy, traffic enforcers and street sweepers will be allowed to leave their posts alternately and rest in a shaded area.

“This is to protect our traffic constables and street sweepers from the scorching heat of the sun,” he said.

The MMDA said the policy aimed to prevent a repeat of an incident in 2012, where a traffic constable died on duty due to heat stroke. – Rappler.com