Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Leonila Baluyut calls on the public to patronize stores that have the Safety Seal because these adhere to safety protocols. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA 3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — More establishments in Central Luzon are now Safety Seal certified by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
DTI Region 3 Consumer Protection Division Chief Jerry Maglalang reported that as of November 30, 2021, a total of 474 establishments in the region were already issued with the Safety Seal.
“Of this total number, majority are in Bulacan with 178 establishments. This was followed by Pampanga with 119 establishments; 61 in Tarlac; 51 in Zambales; 39 in Nueva Ecija; 18 in Bataan; and eight in the province of Aurora,” Maglalang said.
For her part, DTI Regional Director Leonila Baluyut said by applying for and getting the Safety Seal, establishments are assuring consumers and stakeholders that the government has inspected the office, shop or establishment and it has been found to be compliant with the minimum public health standards.
“While we are slowly opening the economy, take it easy still when going out and follow the protocols. We encourage you to patronize stores that have the Safety Seal because these adhere to safety protocols,” the director said.
Establishments certified so far by DTI Region 3 with the Safety Seal include 225 supermarkets/groceries, 81 convenience stores, 70 hardware stores, 50 barbershops and salons, 33 service and repair shops, 12 logistics providers and three membership shopping clubs.
The Safety Seal Certification program is a directive of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Through this program, government agencies adopted the StaySafe.ph as the official contact tracing app of the government and monitored compliance of establishments with health protocols.
Under the guidelines, the Safety Seal is not mandatory for continued operation of establishments, rather the presence of the seal in establishments is a welcome assurance of their sense of commitment to safety, especially amid pandemic.
Public establishments may apply with Department of the Interior and Local Government while tourism related enterprises and restaurants inside hotels and resorts may apply with the Department of Tourism.
Manufacturing, construction, utilities, warehouses and media companies may apply with the Department of Labor and Employment while malls, retail stores, restaurants outside hotels and resorts, cinemas, gyms and spas, and other private establishments may apply with their local government units. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)
