4 Bicol firms get DOLE Safety Seal

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol confirmed the safety compliance of four private establishments in the region following the issuance of safety seal certification to them last August.

Regional Director Ma. Zenaida A. Angara-Campita commended AP Renewables Inc., (APRI) a geothermal energy producer in the country with a facility that operates in Tiwi, Albay, for taking the lead in securing the safety certification to confirm their compliance to minimum public health standards. The safety seal certificate was issued on Aug. 2.

Meanwhile, three firms in manufacturing and construction industries, namely: East Pacific Star Brothers Phil. Inc.; Coca-Cola Beverages Phil. Inc.; and Legazpi Premium Dev’t. Corp., were also awarded with safety seal certification last Aug. 6, 23 and 31, 2021, respectively.

The Safety Seal Certification Program (SSCP) is mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution No. 87 S. 2020. It covers manufacturing, construction, utilities, information and communication and warehousing industries.

Campita said that it is a voluntary certification scheme that affirms an establishment’s compliance with the minimum public health standards set by the government and uses or integrates its contact tracing with StaySafe.ph.

StaySafe.ph is the country’s official health condition reporting, contact tracing, and social distancing system authorized by the Interagency Task Force on Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

She added that with the safety seal, clients and employees are assured of a safe and protected workplace. She further emphasized that the seal is vital in the government’s goal of reopening the economy, whereby companies guarantee health and safety at the plant level thus boosting the confidence and morale of the workers.

Campita thanked the four private establishments for their efforts not only in protecting their people and products, but also promoting a safe economy and business mobility to overcome the challenges of global pandemic.

While the SSCP application is voluntary, Campita encouraged other private business enterprises to secure their safety seal certification noting that the seal is free of charge.

She said that local private business owners who wish to apply for the safety seal certification may inquire via the DOLE BICOL Hotline # 09183096665.

Under the SSCP, the seal will be valid for six months from the date of issuance except for those issued to tourism enterprises, which shall be valid for one year.