Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan advised the city government employees especially those working in the field to take all the necessary steps to avoid heat stroke and other illnesses related to extreme heat exposure.

In her short message at the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, April 15, Lacuna-Pangan told the officials and employees to hydrate at all times and avoid exposing themselves to the scorching heat of the sun.

"Paalala lang...napakainit kaya inaabisuhan natin kayo na mag-hydrate, mag-hydrate kahit nasa loob ng tanggapan. Alam ko mas maaliwalas sa loob dahil di ganun kainit (Just a reminder...it's very hot so we advise you to hydrate, hydrate even inside the office. I know it's more comfortable inside because it's not that hot)," she said.

"'Wag po kayo masyadong magtagal sa ilalim ng araw.  Kada 30 minutes or one hour, sumilong din kayo. Paalala lang para maging ligtas tayo at di magkaroon ng heat stroke (Don't spend too much time under the sun. Every 30 minutes or one hour, take shelter too. Just a reminder to be safe and not have heat stroke)," she stressed.

She particularly urged those under the city's Engineering Office, Parks Development Office, Public Recreations Bureau, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, Manila Police District, Department of Public Services and Bureau of Fire Protection to be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke and always keep their health condition foremost in mind.

Meanwhile, the mayor noted the adjustment of the new city government office hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting on May 2.

The flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall will also be held at 7 a.m. to prevent sun exposure.

"Ready na ba kayo? Maganda rin naman ito dahil mas maaga na kayong makakauwi. Tutal karamihan sa inyo maaga naman talaga pumapasok kasi umiiwas kayo sa traffic (Are you ready? It's good because you can go home earlier. Besides, most of you come in really early because you avoid the traffic)," she said.