- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Mayor Alfredo Benitez is being asked to consider providing water/refreshment allowance and care packages to enforcers of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) to prevent heatstroke.
Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, who authored the resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during their regular session this afternoon, April 12, said that BTAO enforcers deployed in streets of the city are exposed to the harsh heat and warm temperature, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
Providing them water/refreshment and care packages can mitigate and prevent heatstroke, he added.
“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,” Puentevella, chairperson of the SP Committee on Health, said.
He noted that the Department of Health has repeatedly cautioned the public on the ill-effects of prolonged exposure to heat and warm temperature, which could last until next month.
Meanwhile, 72 traffic enforcers received bottles of electrolyte drinks from the Bacolod City Police Office Wednesday.
P/Lt. Col. Sherlock Gabana, chief of the BCPO Community Affairs and Development Unit, under the supervision of city director, Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, led the distribution with members of the Lourdes De Granada Youth Ministry.
“The initiative aims to rehydrate and boost the performance of our traffic enforcers, especially during this kind of weather,” the BCPO press release said./CGC
