• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is requesting Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to consider providing water/refreshment allowance and care package to BTAO enforcers to prevent heatstroke.
The resolution authored by Councilor Claudio Puentevella said that on March 22, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the beginning of the warm and dry season in the Philippines. That the dry and warm season brings warmer and higher temperatures, which is expected to last until the month of May.
The Department of Health cautioned the general public against the health effects of prolonged exposure to heat and warm temperatures which causes heatstroke, it said.
Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and can’t cool down. The body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment, the resolution said.
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office enforcers of the City of Bacolod are providing public services and public needs, which requires them to be placed and deployed in the field, exposing them to harsh heat and warm temperatures, and therefore, increasing the risk of heatstroke, it said.
Providing them water/refreshment allowance and care packages can mitigate and prevent heatstroke, the resolution added.*
