THE operations of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) will continue during the Holy Week.
BTAO Head Luisito Acebuche on Tuesday, April 11, said all the traffic enforcers are required to report and only the administrative personnel will take a break.
He added that he has a standing order to all the enforcers not to leave their posts during the Holy Week, and they have a policy of “no work, no pay.”
BTAO has a total of 430 traffic enforcers, including those with regular status.
Acebuche said enforcers will be assigned to various churches, but there will be no rerouting schedule.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Memorandum 75 encouraging all village heads to honor and respect the practices of the Christian faith.
“As public servants, we are expected to uphold and maintain the peace and order of our area of responsibility, to keep surroundings clean, and to caution and remind our constituents to take necessary precautions with regards to their health, especially on days with intense or sweltering heat,” Leonardia said.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will deploy medical personnel to areas where the Catholic processions will be held.
CDRRMO Head Jose Maria Vargas said the medical team will assist those joining the procession and the church goers.
He said ambulance units will be on standby along Rosario Street, Rizal Street, and Libertad Street.
City Health Office Head Ma. Carmela Gensoli reminded the public to be vigilant on heat stroke.
She said the most severe form of health illness happens when the body overheats and cannot cool down by sweating because of dehydration and hot or humid environment.
Risk factors of heat stroke are dehydration, hot and humid weather, vigorous exercise in hot weather, too much direct exposure to the sun, and working doors.
Gensoli said during very hot and humid weather, one must limit the amount of time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol, wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, and schedule heavy-duty activities at the beginning or end of the day, when it’s cooler.
She added that the signs and symptoms of heat stokes are warm, flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, very high fever, headache, rapid heartbeat, convulsion, and unconsciousness.
Gensoli also encouraged the elderly not to join the processions to avoid untoward incidents.
