CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Investors and Locators Association hosted an online webinar discussion on the joint memorandum circular issued by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment via Zoom on Thursday.
DTI and DOLE on August 15 issued the joint Memorandum Circular No. 2004-A or “The Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Covid-19” to further ensure the safety and health of the employees in the private sector and to complement the efforts of the government.
The joint memorandum was discussed by DTI-3 assistant regional director Leonila Baluyut together with CDC health and sanitation division manager Dr. Ma. Clemencita Dobles, CILA chairman Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr., and CILA directors Angela Casasola of Yokohama Tire Inc., and Amerton Inc. executive Leda Rodriguez.
According to Baluyut, the guidelines were set to run the economy amid the pandemic as businesses in Clark and other MSMEs keep the economy running. Baluyut also mentioned that the establishments they have monitored thus far have 93 percent compliance rate.
“The private sector is needed to complement the efforts of the government. Clark is one of the places in Central Luzon to make good business as we must comply with the government’s policies and guidelines,” Baluyut said.
“In the past five to six months, DTI has consistently pushed for the industry policies that support the continuity of safe business despite the threat of the pandemic. Among the issuances we help lay out are the rental concessions for both private and commercial stalls and spaces. We push for the continuous operations of our exporters and BPO companies,” sheadded.
Baluyut also said that DTI helps out in administering the guidelines set for any quarantine status and categories for establishments allowed to operate.
The joint memorandum states that employers are required to implement all necessary workplace safety and health programs including those Covid-related at no cost to the employees. Among these are reducing transmission of the coronavirus by complying with the minimum public health standards in all workplaces such as frequent disinfection, wearing of face masks and face shields, and proper physical distancing measures.
The webinar meeting also discussed the management of asymptomatic and symptomatic employees, transportation service, and monitoring and enforcement of the safety guidelines.
