TO help personnel stay cool during hot weather, Mandaue City’s traffic enforcers have switched from cotton to dri-fit uniforms, a change implemented last year as temperatures soared during the summer.
Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) head Hyll Retuya, said in an interview on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, that the change took effect last year to ensure field personnel are better equipped to handle the heat while maintaining their presence on the streets.
“We specifically chose dri-fit uniforms for their comfort. They’re cooler and more breathable than cotton, which helps a lot under direct sunlight,” said Retuya.
The switch began at the start of the summer season and remains in effect.
Personnel have given positive feedback on the new uniforms, noting that lightweight and breathable fabric is more suitable for field duty.
In terms of deployment, Retuya said some intersections only require a single post, especially in critical areas where high visibility is enough and crowding of personnel is unnecessary.
In addition, roving teams are on duty round-the-clock to monitor traffic conditions across the city.
Visibility
Asked about the cost of the change in uniforms, Retuya said the budget could not be disclosed but explained that uniform replacements are part of the agency’s regular annual provisions.
Aside from the uniform change, personnel are reminded to bring water and avoid long exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, when the heat is most intense.
During these hours, visibility remains a priority, but staying in shaded areas is allowed.
“What we require is just for them to be visible in the area—they don’t need to stay under the sun the whole time since we already have traffic lights. Their role is mainly to monitor if any unavoidable incidents happen. There’s no need for them to be exposed to the heat; they can stay in the shade because we don’t require our personnel to be under the sun,” said Retuya.
Since the implementation, no cases of heatstroke among personnel have been recorded, Retuya said.
In a previous report, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas recorded the highest range of heat index of up to 40 degrees Celsius last April 8, with heat temperature at 32.3 degrees Celsius. / CAV