Government agencies back PBB to ensure safe workplaces

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas-initiated Project Balik Buhay (PBB) is getting support from various government agencies as the economy in Cebu is now slowly recovering.

Launched on May, the PBB has set guidelines for businesses to prepare for the gradual reopening of the economy and to ensure a safer workplace amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

This as OPAV and some government agencies work on to make workplaces a safer place as economy is slowly recovering.

Department of Labor and Employment 7 regional director Salome Siaton has committed to have the PBB included in the post-COVID health guidelines in the workplace.

“In the end, our goal is to make workplaces safe and healthy. And our common denominator is so we can entice more tourists to our region. We need to have the safety protocols in place. So, if they come, they should feel safe. More tourists will also mean more employment opportunities,” Siaton said during the webinar Straight Talk on COVID Health Protocols organized by the Department of Trade and Industry 7.

Siaton said DOLE and DTI have been working together to ensure that companies in the region are adhering to the mandated health protocols.

“DOLE-7 continues to educate the stakeholders in the business sector on the importance of following these health protocols in the region’s economic recovery,” Siaton added.

Department of Tourism 7 chief tourism operations officer Judy Gabato said that on their part, the agency also required tourism establishments in the region to comply with the necessary accreditations before they can resume operations to ensure their compliance.

Gabato said that they have virtual inspections of tourism establishments to ensure that necessary safety and health protocols are in place and making sure the safety of the guests and the destinations.

Department of Health-7 spokesperson and chief pathologist, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, said that while economic reopening is now vital, it should be done gradually to manage the risks well.

“The reopening, especially in our tourism industry, should be gradual until such time that we build that confidence in compliance,” Loreche said.

The PBB aims to provide a balance between having businesses reopen and addressing the risks of COVID-19 amid its continuing threat.

“Following the guidelines of the PBB, Cebu's business sector was able to open their businesses through a calibrated, scientific, and evidence-based transition from enhanced community quarantine to general community quarantine,” OPAV said in a statement. —  GMR (FREEMAN)