By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — With Metro Manila’s heat index forecast to soar to 41°C on Monday (27 April 2026), Mayor Isko Moreno told city hall’s outdoor troops to put their own safety first: drink water, take cover, and don’t tough it out.
Speaking at Monday’s flag-raising in City Hall, Domagoso singled out the city’s most sun-exposed crews — Department of Public Services street sweepers, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau enforcers, Engineering teams, Estero and Pasig Rangers, and Roxas Boulevard patrols.
“Mag-iingat kayo. Lagi niyong iisipin, kailangan ninyong pangalagaan din ang inyong sarili,” the mayor told city workers.
He also called out MPD chief Gen. Arnold Santiago, ordering him to keep cops hydrated while on beat duty under the blazing sun.
DOST-PAGASA placed Metro Manila under “Extreme Caution” on Monday as the heat index climbed to 41°C, part of an El Niño-driven dry spell baking the country and Southeast Asia.
Domagoso shot down worries about frequent bathroom breaks. His order: chug water all day.
“Huwag kayong matatakot na ihi kayo nang ihi, basta uminom kayo ng marami,” he said.
The mayor ended with a breather for scorched workers: relief is coming.
“Ilang araw na lang, darating naman ang Agua de Mayo. Lalamig din ang panahon,” Domagoso said.
ia/xf
