MANILA, March 5 -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has resumed the 30-minute "heat stroke break" for its field workers, particularly traffic enforcers and street sweepers, to protect them from heat-related illness amid the dangerous heat index forecast for Metro Manila.

In a statement on Wednesday, MMDA Chair Don Artes said the break will be done alternately by those assigned in a particular area to maintain visibility and to ensure field operations are unhampered.

"We acknowledge the challenges being faced by our traffic enforcers and street sweepers who diligently work in the heat to fulfill their duties and responsibilities -- their well-being is crucial," Artes said.

The policy was made official by a memorandum...