UNBEARABLE! This what every Pinoy mutters each time he has to leave the comfort of his home to do his business outdoors. ‘Sobrang banas, talaga!’
Summertime in the Philippines today is not the funfilled summer that I and my mga ka- age experienced during our youth. Then, we would like forward to the end of schoolterm because that meant 2 months of frolicking under the sun and playing games under moonlit skies. A swim in the river or a pool meant to refresh one’s body and a leisurely walk with the barkada was very relaxing.
Today, the young can not claim that he enjoys frolicking under the sun- its rays almost burns his skin; All through the day, the air is humid leaving one the feeling of panlalagkit ng balat, a pitcherfull of perspiration, and many times, parang difficulty in breathing.
It has come to a point when the outdoor personnel of the MetroManila Development Authority has been authorized to take daily 30- minute respites from afternoon work to take their heatstroke breaks, a first in this metropolis. Kawawa naman talaga our traffic enforcers and street sweepers who are obliged to do work in the streets. Now that we put the appropriate attention to workers’ welfare, we find that employers are more responsive to these workers’ needs especially in their workplaces.
I would, in the past, wonder about people in other countries who succumb because of heatstroke. Ano kayang klaseng init iyon na ikinamamatay ng mga tao, I would ask. Today, Philippine casualties from the summer heat are also being reported- a local candidate dies while campaigning under the heat of the sun; people working outdoors collapsing because of the unbearable sun rays and work operations being hampered because workers could not put in enough energy because of the extreme heat and humidity around.
It will be helpful to the whole nation including the workforce if authorities can incorporate this weather condition as they lay down their plans and policies in relation to operations. This way, they can expect productivity and insure that people’s health concerns are addressed.
Tulad na lang ng pagkasimpleng- simpleng use of an office or school uniform. While many institutions wish to look ultra corporate and stylish, kawawa naman the poor wearer sweating it out as she takes public transpo wearing her long- sleeved blazer with a blouse underneath- may dark colored skirt or long pants pa! Sometimes, may scarf pa!
Managers can also look into adjustments in the work schedule to allow the poor worker to make his travels to and from the workplace more relaxed. This way, di naman darating sa office si poor worker na tagaktak ang pawis and hapung- hapo.
Envy the senior citizen, the housewife and the very young who can enjoy staying inside the home all through Philippine summer.!
THANK YOU, TORONTO!
