The Iloilo City government suspended the conduct of flag ceremonies this month in consideration of the health conditions of employees who will be exposed to the extreme heat of the sun and need to endure prolonged standing.

“[After May], the flag will still be raised every Monday and there will be a singing of the national anthem but it should be not like before,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said in a follow-up interview on Thursday, May 11.

The flag ceremony at the city hall starts at 8:00 a.m. and is usually followed by a short program that provides a venue for the recognition of achievements by city employees and several announcements, among others.

On May 8, a female employee collapsed while attending the flag ceremony after her blood sugar had shot up.

“If that can happen to a 29-year-old, what can happen to more senior members of the city?” the mayor pointed out, adding that for him, the health of employees is important.

Upon consultation with the Civil Service Commission, Treñas issued Executive Order 56 for the temporary suspension only in May.

In the order, he said the heat index in Iloilo City, as computed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration, does not fall below 40 degrees Celsius, which is classified to be “danger” level that may bring about heat cramps and exhaustion that could lead to heat stroke. (PNA)